Sugarcane
From the opening song “Hate To Be Messed With” to the dramatic fade out of album closer “Midnight Train” it becomes clear: Sugarcane (formerly named The Blues Factory) with their second album 'Barney's Revenge' has transformed into a band with a unique sound. Armed with a sweltering combination of swamp blues, rockabilly, New Orleans r&b and roadhouse swing this six-piece band is writing their own page in blues history. Great original songs and deadly effective playing. The blues from Sugarcane is straight to the point, unpolished and raw.
Effortlessly the band combines diverse styles into an unconventional whole. The title track “Barney's Revenge” could have been ripped from a Tarantino movie soundtrack. “Simple Mind” combines boogie, rockabilly and swing. “It's Gettin' Dark” sounds like it was recorded in that same swamp where Dr. John developed his voodoo sounds, this time assisted by the devil. The jungle beat driven “Tears Me Up (That You Let Me Down)” and the 2nd line grooves of “Meet Me In The Corner” are flavored with cool New Orleans style horn arrangements. Save for their slammin' juke joint rendition of the great Slim Harpo's “Baby You Got What I Want” all tracks are Sugarcane originals, written and arranged by frontman Bas Flesseman and trumpet player Matthijs Willemsen.
The unique sound of Sugarcane is accented by the electric interaction between the gutsy vocals and guitar of Flesseman and the dynamic and greasy three piece horn section, with Matthijs Willemsen on trumpet, Aldo Groen on trombone and Jon Spijker on tenor sax. The songs are at one moment tough and in your face and the next moment ease into a light simmering swamp groove. The killer rhythm section of drummer Boyd Small and bass player Jasper Mortier always supplying the perfect pulse.
Sugarcane performed at major blues/roots festivals in the Benelux countries, Switzerland - as well as on the American West Coast, playing The Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon.
Album
Barney’s Revenge (Cool Buzz, 2000, CLBZ 4)
Special guest players on Barney's Revenge:
Roel Spanjers - Organ/Piano (JW Roy & The One Night Band)
Richard van Bergen - Slide Guitar/Lap Steel (JW Roy & One Night Band)
Mischa den Haring - Guitar (T-99)
Richard Koster - Harmonica. (Cuban Heels)
