BLUES JUNCTION Productions
7343 El Camino Real
Suite 327
Atascadero, CA 93422-4697
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Take Your Time is a January, 2014, release by veteran blues man Bernie Pearl. Last fall Pearl went into Pacifica Studios in his hometown of Los Angeles and recorded something very special. He brought with him a lifetime of experience, some old tunes and some old friends. Joining Pearl on these sessions were his long time bassist and the album’s co-producer Mike Barry. Pearl’s rich, mellow and unaffected vocals are augmented on three numbers by special guest, and fellow Los Angeles blues landmark, vocalist Barbara Morrison. Percussionist Albert Trepangier Jr. and tenor sax man Bobby “Hurricane” Spencer are also along for this journey and are featured on a few tracks.
Bernie Pearl’s excursion through the blues finds the consummate bluesman grabbing timeless classics by the knape of the neck and carrying them forward into the year 2014. He reworks tunes by Lightnin’ Hopkins, Big Boy Crudup, John Brim, Mance Lipscomb, Big Joe Williams and others to suit his muse. Pearl also sprinkles in a few originals to go along with these very creative re-inventions.
Take Your Time is a wonderful fourteen song document that is a reminder of just how rich, diverse and vibrant this old timey music can become in the hands of a master. The entire album is imbued with that relaxed confidence that was trademark of blues men of a bygone era, but is a quality seldom heard these days. This makes for a wonderfully refreshing listening experience.
Songs here are recorded in solo, duo, trio and in quartet settings. He also brings a variety of tools to plow some well worn blues fields in some different ways. Not only does he bring both electric and acoustic guitars to these sessions, but uses a National Steel. He also recorded a couple of numbers utilizing a lap steel. This is the first time Pearl has played this instrument on record.
In the album’s liner notes, Pearl says that, “Take your time, buddy” was advice dispensed to him by “Mississippi” Fred MacDowell. Pearl goes on to say, “It seems like a generally good idea anyway, but especially advisable when playing the blues.” My advice is to take the time to listen to some great blues from the student turned teacher. Bernie Pearl has something to say with this music and Take Your Time says it in a very compelling and entertaining way.
- David Mac
Copyright 2022 BLUES JUNCTION Productions. All rights reserved.
BLUES JUNCTION Productions
7343 El Camino Real
Suite 327
Atascadero, CA 93422-4697
info