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Like a fine tea, ... Les Copeland's ability to interpret the Blues, especially the good old Blues of the past, is a gift, that he has learned to give back to his audience and his fans via his masterful Guitar picking and his genuine and unique vocal delivery.
Les Copeland is also very well rehearsed in not only the Blues, but in a wide variety of musical styles such as, jazz, Spanish flamenco, pop, and classical music. These are styles that you will find either a little or a lot of on "Don't Let The Devil In".
Got $100 Dollar Hair Sitting On A Nickel Head...
"Don't Let The Devil In" also has a very healthy dose of instrumentals, 4 in total, that showcase Copeland's simply amazing Guitar skills. From the Slide Driven "Ry Cooder", to the Jazz Infused "Ginseng Girl", Copeland leaves you with no doubt as to his command of whatever type of guitar and style he chooses to play.
Beyond Copeland's musical prowess, you will also be drawn in by not only his strong and unique vocals, but by his lyrics. His writing is such that you are quickly aware of the message he is trying to get across, because they are based on themes that are very familiar to all of us. One which really caught my attention was "Everyday People", a whimsical piece, that leaves you chuckling to yourself, "Ain't That The Truth". The above line about the $100 Hair is from that song. Another attention getter was the opening track, "That Needing Time" which can be interpreted a number of ways, I happen to interpret it in a Spiritual way. And lets not forget the incredible song, "I’m the Little One", done in the style of a children s ballad. Fabulous not only for how it is performed, but the fact he would include it on this Album.
I Will Feel The Wind And I Will See The Sun...
If there ever was an Album that was able to call out to you and draw you into it's magical world, Les Copeland's "Don't Let The Devil In" is that Album. It will certainly place him in the company of many of the heavyweights in the Canadian as well as International Music Scene and is more than deserving of all the accolades I am sure it will receive. A finer Album for a Debut Release, you will not find. Finding a finer Album... Period, good luck...
Listening to "Don't Let The Devil In" will leave you with a sense of satisfaction that is very rare in todays humdrum offerings. It will not only rejuvenate your spirit, but it will also renew your belief that their are those that walk amongst us that have our love of good music at heart.
This is a 5***** Album, bar none... Very Highly Recommended...
Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
- Genre
- Blues