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Blues Underground Network Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists "Mulligan Stew" (USA) |
 It is now October and as we head into the cooler months, there is really nothing that warms one more than a good hardy stew and when it comes to warming ones ears, there is really nothing better then a hearty serving of "Mulligan Stew", the super fine release from Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists. "Mulligan Stew" marks the 4th release for Franc Robert and the first under the name, Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists.
Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists are considered the hardest working Blues band in Florida and now after 30+ years of hard grinding, it is all starting to really pay off, as they offer up a gritty blend of what they call Down N' Dirty Groovy Swampy Blues.
"Mulligan Stew" consists of 12 great Tracks, all written by Franc Robert, that cover a wide swath of territory, from Memphis Blues, Acoustic Blues, Jazzy Blues, Blues Rock, Swampy Steel Guitar Blues, and Beyond. Stepping in as the Boxcar Tourists are the rest of the band which includes, Trent Sholl (Bass/Vocals), and Dave Simmons (Drums/Vocals). Franc Robert is the main Vocalist and also plays Guitars and Lap Steel. For Special Guests on "Mulligan Stew", they picked a couple of great ones which included, Lee Pons (Piano/Organ) and Smokin' Joe Sadowski (Harp).
One of the things that quickly caught my attention as I started to listen to "Mulligan Stew", was the vocals of Franc Robert, which to me sounded a little like Jimi Hendrix, with a slight bit of Lenny Kravitz around the edges. This Vocal quality really matched the music and lyrics to perfection and was a nice treat to hear a set of pipes so intriguing.
For favorites on "Mulligan Stew", I did not that easy of a time picking the top 3 as this is a heck of a solid album from beginning to end, but never the less here goes...
My first favorite was Track 2 "Coal Burnin' Locomotive", a hard driven number, with a feel of Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way". This is the one that gets you off your seat if you are not already up a groovin from the first Track. Awesome...
My second favorite was the next Track "Beale Street Memories", a full blown Traditional Memphis Style Blues number. This one has Lee Pons accompanying with great work on the Keys. You could easily imagine this slow yet very intense song, being sung by the Rolling Stones.
The third favorite was the closer, "It's Morning Time" a beautifully done Acoustic number that really takes no time at all uplifting ones spirit. This one sounds like just Franc and his Guitar, although there may be a slight bit of Bass there as well. A great way to end "Mulligan's Stew", that left me with a true feeling of Wow.
Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists are a rare group whom have put together a rare album indeed in "Mulligan Stew", as this is the kind of great music that does not come around that often. I can only imagine how great it would be to play this album when camping around the campfire, as this one just has that right feel to it that can really warm the soul.
5***** for "Mulligan Stew", a great album from an equally great group of artists.
Highly Recommended and Thoroughly Enjoyed.
Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
https://bluesundergroundnetwork.com/
Listen To Samples Here... http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/francrobert3
Additional Artist Info... http://www.francrobert.com/
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