Volker Klenner & his Boston Bluesfriends - The way I found the Blues (2000)

As is well known, the Blues is a pretty much american affair. There this music has it´s roots, and most stars of the genre originate from there. That it´s obvious that even in this county are people, who have this music in their blood, Volker Klenner delivers the proof. The latest CD "The way I found the blues" of Reichenbach singer, guitarist and songwriter has become a jewel for Bluesfans.

To handle scepticism Volker Klenner has learned in the meantime: A Suabian, who plays the real Blues? Be honest, this can´t turn out well. But it´s possible indeed. The eleven songs on Klenners new disc are throughout successful examples of the diversity, this style has to offer. From slow dance numbers like the titeltrack "The way I found the blues", songs with a touch of Rock like "Working for the weekend" to rockabilly-titels like "Party time" is the selection. Some with vocals, some instrumental. Besides that he resigned to cover legendary or famous songs.

All songs on the CD are originals, which is finally not the only particularly attraction of the record. For the former guitarist of "Lizard" has quite a feel for good melodies. Though that doesn´t apply without exception to Klenners english lyrics, which are from time to time a little simple. But that does the pleasure of listening barely a damage. Even the "Blues Revue" - the leading US-Blues-magazine - did a very positive review of Klenners CD. And that´s kind of adequate to a musical knighting. Of course the talent of composition of the Reichenbacher would have been worth only half as much, if he didn´t find the right people to set his music in motion. Three of the Blues elite out of Boston, USA - did help Klenner with the recording. Bruce Katz knows how to use the good old Hammond B3 organ in a dreamlike way, and that´s the reason why the organ has besides Klenners guitar the most weighty part. Rod Carey on the bass and Per Hanson on the drums take care for the right groove with a lot of feeling. These three US-musicians are in the Bluesscene of the american Eastcoast a notion for a long time. As "the Broadcasters" they played til 1998 with Bluesmaster Ronnie Earl. With the "Boston Blues Friends" Klenner already had a friendship for year. That´s why they welcomed and agreed his offer to record a CD. Even though Klenners first love is the Blues, he knows how to play the other styles. For 12 years he is a member of the "Erich Erber Showorchester" with gigs all over Germany. ~Review by Michael Penzing