Diesel has been many things over his long career, but whether he’s accompanied by nothing more than an acoustic guitar, or whether he’s got a loud rockin’ band behind him, the blues has always been a big influence.
So as he did once before on his 1996 collaboration with Melbourne blues musician Chris Wilson ‘Short Cool Ones’, Diesel has revisited his roots with a collection of blues standards with a few originals for good measure, with an explosive band drenched in reverb.
‘Project Blues’ opens with ‘The First Time I Met The Blues’ by Little Brother Montgomery, made famous by Buddy Guy before launching into a soul-drenched original ‘Start Walking The Blues’, which features Diesel’s father, Hank and two brothers Mike and Brian filling out the horn section. It is here that you’ll hear the most rockinest banjo since your grandfather’s old time hoe downs.
Diesel’s spectacular slide guitar skills are shown off together with his powerful voice in Elmore James’ haunting ballad ‘It Hurts Me Too’, but it’s Aerosmith’s ‘Sweet Emotion’ where he really shines. One has to ask though, was that song really necessary on here?
This isn’t your average every day white guy blues record. It’s a powerful tribute to the guys that have come before with Diesel’s unique oz-rock touch thrown in. It is drenched in reverb and baritone sax and is meant to be heard loud... or even better, be seen live.
Track listing:
First Time I Met The Blues
Walkin’ The Blues
My Baby Likes To Boogaloo
Don’t Throw Your Love On Me So Strong
Stoopid Fool
I Wish You Would
Whiskey And Weed
Tear Out The Man
It Hurts Me Too
Them Changes
Sweet Emotion
Blues For Paddy
