Sedate jazzy ballads and blues from those quiet Italians
Italy probably wouldn't be the first place you'd look for blues musicians, but Blueville have been quitely plying their trade since 2006. Built on a solid base of hot jazz and cool blues, "Butterfly Blues" is a very careful study of mood and an exercise in squeezing emotion out of every note. It is not, however, exiting or particularly innovative.
Opener 'When I Ring the Bell' sets the tone as blues purveyors in the slightly more clean-cut style of Jools Holland's Orchestra or later Eric Clapton or J.J. Cale. It has its audience, but hardly pushes the boundaries of the genre or searches the depths of the human soul. It is, however, toe-tapping and the melodies are genuinely enjoyable. There is a lot of care and thought in this album, and just occasionally it goes beyond expectations and adds another influence. Perhaps hints of Dire Straits' or Allman Brothers' rock, perhaps scales from world music and gospel. 'Rosemary Lane' and 'Misery' are great examples of soulful performance and emotional depth, thanks mainly to excellent vocal guest spots which bring the musicianship to another level.
On the other hand, it is a very particular and studied brand of blues, which lacks that innovative, thrilling edge or danger. "Butterfly Blues" plays it very safe in its structure and style. The band and guests work well together, and their passion for the history and legacy of the music is very clear from the dedication poured into the mood and lyrics of this album. But it's safe to say that it would suit a particular kind of listener, the ones who pack out Clapton's concerts rather than The Black Keys'. Ultimately, it's musically impressive and very worthy, but isn't going to be the album that unites all the tribes of blues.
The live experience really shows through, with lilts and tremors in the vocals left in, adding to the sense of tradition. 'Sorry Baby' is a catchy Americana-influenced slice of blues, notable because it sounds very improvised rather than over-produced, which some tracks do.
There's a lot to like in the mix of influences and wonderful blend of voices, but you wish they would occasionally kick it up a gear from the slow swing they obviously prefer. It does sexy and smooth very well, but lacks a bit of bite.