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Clear Blue 22 - Right Now

From the beginning of the barn-burner number "Through With You", Clear Blue 22 prove that they really have something, the chemistry in the the 4 piece rockin' country outfit seem to fit together like, ummm, peanut butter and chocolate. In this case I am glad their peanut butter got in my chocolate (I really never thought I would use that as an analogy, good grief) ! With the driving vocals of Jasmine Schwader (taking her hand at some songwriting too) and Paul Reyes who adds the rhythm guitar as well as the shared lead vox. Clear Blue 22's roster is rounded out with Dave Block (drums/vocals) and Don Simpson (bass/vocals). 

While listening you get a  number of sounds from the Island Rhythm sound ("Speaking of Maria"), the ballad/hurtin' songs ("What I've Learned About Love (From Lovin' You)" AND "This One's For What's His Name"), the more traditional country sound ("It's All Your Fault") as well as the up-tempo numbers that really are the meat of "Right Now". Clear Blue 22 have offered up a solid CD that makes you think these guys (and gal) could really help any club owner sell more beer on a Friday or Saturday than the normal crowd would (or possibly should) consume. That's not a bad thing, Clear Blue 22 have fun while playing their tunes, it comes across loud and clear, and it would easily be transferred to the patrons at any show!

The thought that continued going through my mind was simple, ya know, if Clear Blue 22 had the money of a major label behind them, they'd sound as good as any other country-band-on-the-rise out there today, and in some cases better than many of their contemporaries. You get the hit formulas here from the dance floor packing "Let's Go To Bed Early" to the attitude driven single "The Devil In Me". Clear Blue 22 do not disappoint on their debut, and as listeners we should be really grateful that Paul Reyes decided to pay attention to the "Female Vocalist Seeks Band" add in a local music store.

I don't want to take away from Paul Reyes vocals either, the tracks featuring his lead vocals are just as strong (try "She's Always Dancin' "), in fact you could say Clear Blue 22 have the total package. CB22 deliver the goods musically, and vocally, and there are some really strong tracks here too. All in all, Clear Blue 22 proves that there is more in Nevada than Gambling and Desert! There's also some smokin' country that is set to blaze the trail for all to hear. A bit of a larger production budget and you would be haring much more from this band, but hey, I ain't complainin', I have been enjoying the "Right Now" since I first popped it in the old CD player, keep 'em comin' guys, and I will continue listening! Clear Blue 22 have just made a new fan, check 'em out yourself!  

  ( 4.5 Stars out of 6 )

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