The HoneyIsland Swamp Band


Independent


By David Kunian


TheHoney Island Swamp Band combines the talents of some of New Orleansinstrumental ringers and lets them open it up for seven tunes that move fromrock to roots to even reggae. All the songs are originals from the pens ofguitarist Aaron Wilkinson and Chris Mule, both of whom were involved in bandsthat include Idletime, Eric Lindell, and Kirk Joseph before Hurricane Katrinaput them in San Francisco, where they formed this band and started writing.This first release is an excellent study in roots bar band music. The tunes areeasy to dance or sway to with the rhythm section of bassist Sam Price anddrummer Garland Paul keeping everything solidly in the pocket. Most of thesongs feature either Wilkinson’s warm vocals or Mule’s thin voice .Wilkinson’sfriendly voice gives his songs a bright sound while Mule’s give his songs anedge and make them sound like Chuck E. Weiss or some other boozy character isgiving you advice from the end of the bar. The songs play out in a range ofroots sounds including the country bounce of “Nadine” with the rhythms ofWilkinson’s mandolin combining with guest Michelle Lambert’s violin to give thesong a rural lilt. The mood stays like that for the slow dance of “CloudHangin’ Over Me” that would be at home at any country dance or Fais Do Do.Mule’s two tunes have a steady rock ’n’ roll backbeat that plays off a trillingmandolin, fluid guitar lines, and punchy saxophone. In all, this is anentertaining and well made first effort that hopefully indicates great music tofollow.