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Paul Oscher - Bet on the Blues
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If he were a European man, he would have been a Renaissance painter. In spite of a warning about explicit language, Paul Oscher remains an intellectual on loan to the Blues. A few other Bluesmen around have the same crafting capacity, the same precision and such immense love for the Blues Oscher’s music transpires. His “Bet on the Blues” is a very strong contender for the 2011 Blues Music Awards (WC Handy Awards). With three nominations from the 2011 Blues Music Awards (WC Handy Awards) for Best Acoustic Album, Best Acoustic Artist and Best Instrumentalist – Harmonica, Bet on the Blues might skyrocket Paul Oscher’s - former Muddy Waters Blues Band member - fame and his sparse but loyal supporters may finally celebrate the career of this true hidden hero of the Blues. Should you meet Paul in person, you will immediately subjugated by this modest and gentle representative of the people from Brooklyn. A man from another and quite different America. Recorded live and in the studio, this CD contains fifteen tracks of mainly low-down blues, some gospel and jazz featuring Oscher on vocals, bass harp, diatonic and chromatic harmonicas, guitar and piano in solo, and with Kid Andersen on bass and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith on most tracks. The title track Bet on the Blues is a funny anecdote about Paul meeting Little Walter for the first time. Anyway, regardless that he plays a spirited rendition of Monk’s “Round Midnight” or deep downhome blues in “What Have I Done”, easily the best song of this opus, the result is outstandingly good. Oscher shines on harp especially, but its virtuosity on guitar and piano should not be underestimated. He recklessly plays from the heart through his own personal vision of the Blues melting genuineness and elegance. We’re dangerously close to a masterpiece. Luca Lupoli
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