Album Review of
Hollywood Blvd

Written by Duane Verh
April 26, 2014 - 12:00am EDT
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Raoul Bhajena brings just the right amount of vocal attitude and from-the-gut harp work as he fronts three separate lineups, delivering tasty and distinctive results with each.  The Toronto-based bluesman (an accomplished actor as well) glides atop nasty grooves with one, swings solidly with another. In the latter case, it’s with a pack of venerable West Coast swingsters including guitarist Junior Watson and pianist Fred Kaplan. Guesting elsewhere are Curtis Salgado, Rusty Zinn and Rick Holmstrom. The instrumental “Amphetamine” lives up to its name. Other strong tracks include originals “High Roller” and “Nothin’ Gonna Take Me Down” and the Bobby Bland-popularized “Someday”.