Marshall Lawrence: House Call Review
A journeyman of sorts, the “Doctor of Blues,” Marshall Lawrence, creates an earthy atmosphere with a down-home release in House Call. Relying on acoustic and resonator guitars, a harmonica, upright bass, and a voice that sings with experience and understanding relatable to every man, the Doctor’s prescription is a cross of old-fashioned acoustic blues, seasoned with R&B and folk music.
The toe-tapping “Mean Momma Blues” draws the reader into a land and time not known to most men. “Ballad of Molly Brown” is the very definition of Americana music. “Long Way Back Home” contains some of Lawrence’s best picking and singing, and “Death’s Black Train” contains some nice harmonies by the Holmes Brothers.
At a time when the blues is dominated by screaming electric guitars, a good acoustic set is hard to come by, and should be appreciated when it is found. Lawrence gets it. He knows how to play the blues. Lawrence is not the greatest guitar player in the world, and he’s not going to wow you with impressive vocabulary. Lawrence is a storyteller. His voice is pleasant, his guitar work grooves, and his stories communicate the blues. This is a nice acoustic set that deserves to be enjoyed.
The Review: 7.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Mean Momma Blues
– Ballad of Molly Brown
– Long Way Back Home
– Death’s Black Train
The Big Hit
– Ballad of Molly Brown
Review by Nik Rodewald
