Review: The Cinelli Brothers – Almost Exactly…
The Cinelli Brothers – Almost Exactly…
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Continental Record Services
Release: 2024
Text: Bert van Kessel
Although they have mainly built their reputation as a hard-rocking blues band tearing down club stages and renowned blues festivals, this band is actually a lot more than yet another blues band.
The multiple award winning four-piece from London with Italian brothers Marco and Alessandro Cinelli sought to expand their musical style. In order to achieve that, they recorded these tracks in Woodstock with acclaimed producer Rich Pagano. This cooperation has proved to be very successful indeed.
On the ten tracks of this, their fourth, album their high-energy, rock-edged blues is infused with a whole lot of Southern Soul, thus paying tribute to their inspirations Ray Charles and Stevies Winwood and Wonder.
The truly soulful album kicks off with a funky dance floor filler Last Throw of The Dice. Tom J.J. (Julian Jones) excels on the mouth harp. Then we go back to some energetic 60s Rhythm & Blues in Leave It With You; Stephen Giry not only provides a driving bass but also contributes some searing electric guitar fretwork.
Dozen Roses continues in the same R&B atmosphere with some fine harmony vocals and fascinating interplay between Marco Cinelli on his keyboard and Tom J.J. on harmonica. The latin-esque Ain’t Blue But I Sigh has Carlos Santana written all over it. Stephen Giry allows himself to be inpired on the electric guitar.
The touching rock ballad Nobody’s Fool is drenched in blues and emotion. The trumpet is superfluous, though. Prayer is a very personal gospel track and will have many a congregation jumping about in churches.
Then it’s back to some 60s R&B again: Sam & Dave nod approvingly to Lucky Star. In the menacing slow blues Making It Through The Night Giry’s truly convincing lead vocals challenge a weird background choir .
The pure soul of Don’t Need No Favor is followed by the funky closing track in which keyboard and electric guitar take centre stage, leaving us with a desire for more Cinelli.
The Cinelli Brothers prove their versatility on this highly entertaining album. They link their blues-driven guitar and harmonica to soul- drenched tracks. Their horizon has successfully been expanded.
Tracks:
01. Last Throw Of The Dice
02. Leave It With You
03. Dozen Roses
04. Ain’t Blue But I Sigh
05. Nobody’s Fool
06. Prayer
07. Lucky Star
08. Making It Through The Night
09. Don’t Need No Favor
10. Fool’s Paradise
Website: http://www.cinellibrothers.com/