Big Daddy Lee and the King Bees: Early in the Morning
To kick off 2009 we are going to review an album by a Western Colorado Blues Band. For those familiar with the Aspen music scene, Big Daddy Lee and the King Bees are frequent performers at Jimmy's. As long time working musicians these guys are used long sets and can rock all night long with their vast repertoire.
"Early in the Morning" is the debut C.D. from this band. Recorded at Great Divide Studios in Aspen, the album tries to capture the bands greatest strengths (their live sound) using live recording. Lee Hollowell provides the guitar leads and smooth vocals, Mike Stahl plays guitar and the harps, Larry Gruber backs vocals and plays the bass (in addition to owning Glenwood Music), and Rob Leventhal keeps the time on the drums.
The album opens with a Hollowell penned song entitled "The Premonition" the opening is reminiscent of Santana and you are expecting a smooth minor riff instead of Hollowell's traditional blues riffs. I also enjoyed the lyrics to the song especially part of the 2nd verse.
"I woke up in the morning, I laid there to listen to the dawn. I know there's nothing I can do, the girl is already gone."
Another great song on the album is "Turn on Your Love Light." This song has a little swing to it, but what sets it apart are the great guitar solos in the middle of the song. Even better than the guitar solos are the blazing harmonica solos at the end of the song. This track will get you dancing around the living room, I haven't heard it live, but I am sure that everyone gets in on the jam to keep the dance floor hopping.
Early in the Morning is a solid blues album. The mix is great and captures some of the bands live energy. The musicianship on the album is excellent and the songs are varied so that you hear a wide swath of the blues. My only criticism of the album is the lack of original material. This album is a Paravell recommendation with 3 stars.