Dave Keyes

Two Trains

MoMojo

Four-time BMA winner and all-around good guy, the master of keys, Dave Keyes, returns with his latest album, Two Trains, debuting on the MoMojo label, the Nola Blue imprint. The well-seasoned sideman and bandleader, known as much for his humble, generous spirit as for his well-honed chops, is the kind of artist one can’t help but root for, especially this past year, having lost his wife of 37 years to ALS. A few songs on the album express that sense of loss, notably “Rest in Peace.” Yet, Keyes does not dwell in the melancholy for long. His idea of the blues is to lift people as he does on the gospel song “I’m Alright,” assuring us that he will carry on with his enduring spirit.

The title of the CD is not directly drawn from the famous Muddy Waters tune, “Two Trains Runnin’’ but offers the same idea. Two trains are running continuously. One can ride the ‘good’ track or the fated evil track. It’s the idea of the celebration of life as opposed to a maudlin funeral. Said another way, when faced with a choice, take the high road. In a more universal sense, it’s important to seek out the positive in this increasingly chaotic world. In that sense, Keyes was blessed to find country songwriter Mark Sameth, who had written some huge country hits and had just resumed writing, after stepping away from the music business for a while. Together, Keyes and Sameth wrote eight of these ten tunes. Keyes wrote the piano solo “Boogie for Patty,” dedicated to his wife. “Worrying You off My Mind” is a Bill Broonzy tune performed by the late, acclaimed acoustic guitarist Woody Mann.

 Other guests joining Keyes are the renowned drummer Bernard Purdie, who returns from Keyes’ 2022 Rhythm, Blues, and Boogie, harmonica virtuosos Rob Paparozzi, bassist Mike Merritt, guitarist Chris Bergson, and background vocalists Alexis P. Suter and Vicki Bell from the Alexis P. Suter Band, part of the Nola Blue family. Longtime Keyes stalwarts, drummer and vocalist Frank Pagano (he shines in The Band Band by the way), and guitarist John Putnam. Bassist Jeff Anderson and percussionist Hasan Bakr also contribute.

In some ways, this is a career perspective album as Keyes nods to all the styles that have influenced him since childhood, commenting, “Blues, boogie, country blues, urban blues, gospel, and some funky stuff. From Ray Charles to Leon Russell and everyone in between. I’m not a purist, but I respect my roots and I stand on the shoulders of those who have gotten me here.”

 The rousing opener, replete with wailing harp, sizzling guitar,  and background vocals, “The Blues Ain’t Looking For You” features Keyes on B3. You’ll find the video on YouTube. “Boogie to the Cows Come Home” rides on Keyes’ signature boogie-woogie piano and Pagano’s insistent beats, and enthusiastic background vocals. Putnam fires up a blazing spot as well. “Two Trains” is an urban stomper with Bell and Suter singing along with Keyes, as Putnam and Paparozzi add the bluesy touches.  The ode to resilience, the gospel tinged “I’m Alright,” features a choir of vocalists, with Suter’s part notably coming through in the mix. Interestingly, Bennie Turner is one of the co-writers along with Keyes and Sameth. Keyes fires up both the B3 and piano on this all-out burner.

Five tracks in, comes the slow blues of “Long Way From Right Right Now,” the clever wordplay attesting to the cathartic experience of loss. Paparozzi digs in with emotive harp lines to complement Keyes’ percussive piano and heartfelt vocal. The background vocalists raise the roof on the gospel-like singalong “What Just Happened’ with Keyes aptly on a churchlike B3, along with churning harp and stinging guitar. “Trust In Love and Fate” is another of those “testifying that I’ll be alright” songs, buoyed by Bergson’s searing slide guitar and Pagano’s simpatico background vocal. Given the overriding theme, Broonzy’s tune fits nicely, although the duet between Keyes and Mann is a bit of a musical detour. Nonetheless, the two complement each other perfectly, evoking the kind of duets that Keyes once performed with the iconic Odetta.  It’s only right that the album ends with Keyes alone at the piano for the ballad celebrating his wife, Patty’s, life in “Rest in Peace.”

Those seeking strength in recovering from a loss should take this album to heart. As I concluded my review of Rhythm, Blues, and Boogie, I’m finding again that Dave Keyes will lift you, bring smiles, and give your step that extra bounce.

• Jim Hynes

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