Lionel Young Band
As the Sun Goes Down
1997

We don't usually associate violinists and Blues together, although some of the first Blues ensembles (Black string bands) very often included fiddles.

Howard Armstrong is one of the greats from that era still with us; Gatemouth Brown the most popular. Anybody remember Sugarcane Harris? Well, I'm here to tell you Lionel Young is taking his rightful place among the great Blues violinists. Classically trained, Young left his chair in the symphony a few years back to follow his musical heart. He coaxes sounds out of an electric Zeta violin that are amazingly soulful. This instrument becomes incredibly versatile in Young's powerful hands. He will take a bow to it or turn it sideways and play it as a guitar. Lionel is a great live performer-his ever-present smile, spontaneous yelps and unusual vocal phrasings are infectious. I found myself in wonder at the sounds coming out of his violin. He likes to take his wireless instrument as far into the crowd as he can to get people involved.

Young has written three great songs for the CD and changed Hendrix's "Hey Joe" to "Hey OJ" in a Reggae style that is poignant and fun at the same time. Young's arrangements of old standards are absolutely unique and very refreshing. Willie Dixon's "We're Ready" is done with a jazzy feel, Sonny Boy Williamson's "One Way Out" is revitalized to a rumba beat, Z.Z. Hill's "You Were Wrong" becomes a new song in Young's hands with great pleading vocals. Young's vocals shine on Leadbelly's "Defense Blues," Fess's "Walk Your Blues Away" and Lightin's "The Foot Race is On." The last two have some particularly good horn work, with the former including some great keyboard work. In fact, Mr. Young picked some of Denver's finest for this project. We are treated to a jazzy instrumental almost 10 minutes long and a haunting original "Brown Cloud Over Denver" that defies categorizing while showcasing Young's arranging skills and this CD's production.

Young is a perfect example of a musician who has assimilated all of his influences and makes music for today while exhibiting no fear to be totally himself in his music. This is exciting new Blues. Don't let the sun go down on you without hearing the Lionel Young Band.

- David Mcintyre