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From the Album: While You Where Gone, Year of Release: 2023#bluesrock#rock#blues Lyrics: Sleepless Night Blues While You Were Gone appears to be the debut album from the Diego Mongue Band, an intriguing combination based out of Berkshire County, MA. It’s difficult to know for sure, since the CD did not come with an EPK and the band’s website is somewhat light on detail. Having said that, however, While You Were Gone is also a fascinating listen, treading a fine line between blues, jazz-fusion and rock, beautifully produced and with some very impressive musicianship. Recorded at Studio9 Porches in North Adams, MA, (kudos to Patrick Gray Jr and Seth von Paulus for capturing a blisteringly powerful sound) While You Were Gone features eight songs (the CD does not provide writing credits, although only “44 Blues” and “Rollin’ & Tumblin'” were known to this reviewer) that are delivered with precision and passion. Opening with the aptly titled instrumental, “Intro”, which sounds like the Blues Brothers Band on acid impersonating early Deep Purple, each musician is given an opportunity to stretch out and warm up before the funky blues-rock of the title track and the introduction of singer Chantell McCulloch’s superb voice. Cam Bencivenga’s jazz-rock infused guitar solo is a highlight while the sudden and dramatic changes in tempo and structure are riveting. Mongue is a superb drummer who provides a very funky rhythm platform with Chase Bradshaw over which Joel Nicholas’s keyboards float. The origins of “44 Blues” have been traced back to 1920s Louisiana although Howlin’ Wolf’s 1954 version may still be the most well-known recording. Here the track initially starts with the same riffs Hubert Sumlin and Jody Williams laid down on Wolf’s recording before rapidly going off in a jam-band direction with some great keys from Nicholas and more heavy rock guitar from Bencivenga. The jazz-funk of “Give Me Strength” highlights McCulloch silky vocals and guest Liam Gizster’s keyboards before “Rollin’ & Tumblin'” is given a rocky re-working with nice tandem riffing from Bencivenga and Nicholas. The band slow things down for “Sleepless Night Blues” with Bradshaw taking over the guitar duties temporarily and more stunning vocals from McCulloch. Then “Find My Way Again” has neat interplay between bass, guitar and keys before the closing track “Blues All Day” ends the album on a toe-tappingly funky note, which somehow keeps launching into a heavy shuffle. While You Were Gone is a very impressive release from the Diego Mongue Band, which will appeal to any listener who enjoys their blues with a heavy dose of rock and jazz-fusion. Given that Mongue is currently still a student at Williams College in Williamstown, MA, we should be looking forward to a lot more music in the future from this exciting young talent. You can download the music : VIDEO COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Video is made for entertainment purposes only and you can download this track on any authorized website such as, iTunes and ... No copyright infringement is intended in the making of this video. All rights to published audio, video, graphic and text materials belong to their respective owners. If you are the author or copyright owner of any of the material I use, and you don't like it to be used by me, please contact: I recommend you my channel Blues & Rock Ilija Capko
