Svensson & Dafgard – Rootation (Dusty Records).

The Scandinavians love their blues and this pair has obviously been influenced by many of the greats. They play delta blues from the 20s and 30s and mix it up with a contemporary feel every now and then. Rootation begins with the Jimi Hendrix classic Voodoo Chile and I’m not complaining about yet another band covering Jimi. This duo on acoustic guitar and harp make it sound like an authentic blues/roots song and produce a powerful opener. Heaven Only Knows is the first of half a dozen self written songs. In fact, the album is split 50/50 with covers and original tracks. This one is by guitarist Svensson and it’s a great country blues; foot stompin’, clapping excellence. Stay Away From Love is Dafgard’s first track (he contributes two) and is a swinging blues performed in the guitar and harmonica bare bones style that they have already shown is theirs. Svensson’s next effort is Men Of Steel. This is an atmospheric, epic tale, performed on guitar and voice which only adds to the overall feel. At My Front Door is a classy blues that allows Dafgard to show his style on harmonica and Bad Luck Blues by Blind Lemon Jefferson is just so easy to listen to – the boys have come up with a stomping roots version.

My Love Is has a contemporary, moody feel to it and has the best vocal on offer before they run off into Dafgard’s second, and final, song, Change My Ways. This is a highlight with its Cajun infused country moves. The rootsy Albert & Agnes is Svensson’s penultimate song and, although he tends to overdo it a bit, it does tell a good story. No harmonica player can go a whole album without a Little Walter song and Dafgard comes up with It Ain’t Right. Again, he shows his undoubted class and passes the test with flying colours. There’s some more top harp playing on M&O as Dafgard shows he can really grind it out. Having said that, Svensson does deserve some praise for his consistently excellent guitar work too. They close with Pilgrim, Svensson’s final song, which is a slow roots/Americana track. Unfortunately, this is a bit insipid and proves to be a slightly disappointing end to what is a fabulous album.

http://www.svenssondafgard.com/
http://www.dustyrecords.se/
Copyright David Blue 2006.