Blue Basics

Blue Basics

Editorial Reviews
<"b00004tdkk5540"> Blues On Stage website
Blues On Stage www.mnblues.com April 2000 --------------------- One of the very rare cover bands that actually can and will do justice to the original songs they recreate. Ursula George's debut album Blue Basics is definitely one for your CD changer to acquire. "Son of a Preacher man" is one of the most familiar and outstanding covers on the entire album, Lori Urso vocals highlight the track while her grooving guitar and George Reithoffer's smooth harmonica plays in the background. Their acoustic version of B.B King's classic "The Thrill Is Gone" is an interesting twist to the usually electric song, but without a doubt they do it wonderfully. "Love me like a man" was originally written by Chris Smither but in this case the lyrics were adapted by Bonnie Raitt herself. Speaking of Raitt, Urso states that one of her major influences is Bonnie Raitt and on this album it's an obvious predicament. Urso's alto voice quivers not unlike that of Raitt's although her playing might not be as high ranked as Raitt's there is nothing on the comparison level of their voices. Urso began playing when she was merely seven years old, while Reithoffer studied music in various locations including the University of Rhode Island. He also gained the nickname "Fisher Price Slim" from carrying a little fisher price toy amp around his neck because he likes the tone it produces. Two years ago they formed the duo in Westerly, Rhode Island. They both wanted to play the same true gritty roots music and since they shared the same philosophy on music, they felt the need to continue and work their way through the local club circuits doing covers of old blues classics, such as the ones featured on this album. Considering they are only a duo that means one guitar and one harmonica player plus vocals, therefore they obviously needed some additional guitar and a little slide guitar would be great for their arrangements, so they called, Marc Barnicle. Barnicle was voted the best blues guitarist by the local Worcester Phoenix and on this record he surely shines his talent well, his slide licks as well as the steady rhythm playing along with Urso's strong grooved guitar is an awesome feature. If smooth Mississippi blues is your style then Ursula George is your style! Their renditions of these blues classics are surely something to hear and experience. --Eve Morris

<"b00004tdkk5002"> "Blues Revue" magazine
Blues Revue Issue No. 55 March 2000 -------------------- "Lori Urso plays guitar and George Reithoffer plays harp on 'Blue Basics' (Tommytiger TT9004). Both sing. The songs are covers, most of which are familiar. All this by way of saying the Ursula George offers nothing fancy, but the package sounds much better than you might hope, with a great variety of sounds ("Son of a Preacher Man," indeed!) and superior singing from both parties." --Tom Hyslop

<"b00004tdkk4999"> Album Description
Collection of familiar blues/r&b classics stripped-down to a pure acoustic form, with an emphasis on the acoustic guitar-harmonica sound. Featuring Lori Urso on acoustic guitar and vocals, George "Fisher Price Slim" Reithoffer on harmonica and vocals, and special guest Marc Copely on lead and slide acoustic guitar.