BLACKSTONE VALLEY SINNERS
As a fan of "real" country music, that is, as opposed to what the pinhead suits in Nashville think it is, I am always searching for bands that have original approaches to this most American form of popular music. And, I can thankfully say that I have found it in the powerful, yet simple music of the Blackstone Valley Sinners, an interesting trio of musicians (plus, as they admit, a drum machine), based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

The Sinners include multi-talented instrumentalist Rich Gilbert, playing lead guitar, steel guitar, dobro, banjo, piano and just about anything else with a string on it; JudithAnn on bass; and Slim Cessna on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. The eclectic background and presentation of the Sinners' country music is most pronounced by Gilbert's musical resume, listing Frank Black & the Catholics, Steve Wynn, and the Zulus, among others, with whom he has played. Don't think for one minute, though, that someone with that background can't cut it in country. The presentation here is extremely, individually unique, unlike much of anything in this genre that I am used to hearing. In lesser experienced and talented hands, it would be an unqualified mess. Here, in the skilled hands of Gilbert, the voice of Cessna and the bottom and backing of JudithAnn, it makes for an original approach to an important musical art form.

Want something interesting that clearly stands out, in an overly crowded arena of repetitive, unimaginative noise? Then, pick up this record, available at the band's web site, at blackstonevalleysinners.com. In time, they might make fans think of Rhode Island in terms of country music rather than just the blues.
- Mark T. Gould