“Welcome to the New Blues Revolution. Move over Clapton, here comes the new Blues God! New Blues guitarist Stephen Dale Petit re-issues his 2007 blues-feast Guitararama and thank goodness he has.
Some people believe they were born to do a job. Inside the CD booklet, Stephen Dale Petit says, “The reason I’m on the planet is to play Blues Guitar”. With the re-release of Guitararama, this 40 year old Californian gets a second shot at unleashing his digital dexterity on an unsuspecting UK and European audience. The album was funded by busking in the London Underground and was originally only available at the Underground, so now it gets a serious step-up.
In his teens he was inspired by the likes of the three Kings – Albert, Freddie and BB as well as Elmore James, Tampa Red and Leadbelly. He was also fascinated by the British Blues Boom of the 60’s and 70’s which featured the likes of Alexis Korner, Jimmy Page, Peter Green, Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones), as well as bands like Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Animals, Fleetwood Mac and The Yardbirds.
Now, some might argue that Guitararama is not a pure Blues album per say, because there are (undeniable) crossover elements belonging to Rock. In actual fact, it encompasses both – neatly woven together in a subtle way. With Guitararama Petit has successfully managed to enlighten us of the sheer breadth within the blues genre. There’s no doubt about one thing though: this guy can play, impressively, and you only need to check the Page-Hendrix-like solo on a cover of Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine for evidence of his dexterity.
From the get-go he’s keen to let us hear his talents on the wailing instrumental Sacramento. Alexis Korner Says is more in the BB King mould – a chugging R&B number with delicious picks and licks. Then the hammer of the Gods arrives – Crack Whore – a rockin’ monster complete with wailing solos. 10 Year Reflections, Told You So and Pure owe much to Gary Moore’s laidback blues from the early 90s – think Still Got The Blues For You. Somewhere in there are hues of Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, with whom Petit has played, and then with Percy’s Thumb there are strong Led Zep overtones. Purists will probably lap up 69 Duke Street – Petit’s performance is mesmerising.
For a monster riff, you need look no further than the ballsy 7 Cent Cotton which, again, gives Zep, or Page more accurately, a massive wink. 10 Year Blues is a lush MOR blues ballad again reminiscent of Gary Moore. The hammer returns for out-and-out rocker Blues From Mars – frenetic stuff – all blood, sweat, and more sweat.
The verdict – Guitararama is a very good name and an even better listen.”
Become the moth I am to your flame
Seven cent cotton and serpent’s tooth
Tell me some lies that I can’t see through
Shake down the mountains, dry up the sea
Burn out the sun, give your love to me
Seven cent cotton and a serpent’s tooth
I love your lies baby more than the truth
I sold my soul and you bought it
You fuck me baby like a hard narcotic
Seven cent cotton and serpent’s tooth
I love your lies baby more than the truth
I burn a candle in your name
Become the moth I am to your flame
Seven cent cotton and a serpent’s tooth
Tell me some lies that I can’t see through
Shake down the mountains, dry up the sea
Burn out the sun, give your love to me
Seven cent cotton and a serpent’s tooth
I love your lies baby more than the truth
Come on, lie to me baby
Copyright © 2006 Serious Delta Papa Music
Appears on "Guitararama" © 333 Records Ltd
Also on "The BBC Sessions" (Live Version) and "7 Cent Cotton (Radio Edit)" (Single Version) © 333 Records Ltd
In a stranger’s land
I don’t know what is coming
There’s no turning back
I feel so alone
I swear that I’m the only soul around
The hellhounds are barking
They're doggin' my trail
When the devil’s ship comes in
I’m gonna make that sail
‘Cause there’s somewhere I know
Where some peace of mind can be found
I wonder sometimes
If I never
Never wanted then
What I want now twice as much
What would the years have brought
Copyright © 2006 Serious Delta Papa Music
Appears on "Guitararama" © 333 Records Ltd
I couldn’t know what you’d shown me
You’ve been takin’ for far too long babe
Well baby, shame, shame on you
There’s one thing I wanna know
How come you told me you loved me so?
All I’ve got from the invitation
How ‘bout all my time with you was lame
One thing to say - shame on you
You got for me seven women and a fall man
One thing, I complain, I wanna know
Forty seven miles I’ve had a bad road
And there’s nothin’ for it I’ve got to show
What you say - “It’s such a shame you went away”
Copyright © 2006 Serious Delta Papa Music
Appears on "Guitararama" © 333 Records Ltd
You’re sittin’ there, no cares, like you’ve got it sussed
I don’t mean to be unkind but I think you’ve lost your mind
Old Joe’s big promises have bitten the dust
I wanna scream and shout about it
Somebody somewhere has gotta have a better answer
It’s hottin' up, just enough boy, to make ya sweat
Scientists don’t know how hot it will get
Am I really to pretend? I can’t seem to comprehend
I just wanna smoke my cigarettes
I wanna scream and shout about it
Somebody somewhere has gotta have a better answer
Watchin’ me, watchin’ you, baby it’s a slam
Like a hotel pool in a traffic jam
All the things that you have said are now driving through my head
Help me please
Send a text tell me who I am
I don’t wanna fight about it
Somebody, somewhere has gotta have a better answer
I wanna scream and shout about it
Somebody somewhere has gotta
Somebody somewhere has gotta
Somebody somewhere has gotta have a better answer
Copyright © 2006 Serious Delta Papa Music
Appears on "Guitararama" © 333 Records Ltd
Also on "The BBC Sessions" (Live Version) and "A Better Answer" (Single Version) © 333 Records Ltd