Tim Foley Group

Street Dog

Independent

Tim Foley is a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist whose sound doesn’t settle easily into a descriptive box. You’ll hear an amalgamation of musical styles he has gravitated toward, which include blues, jazz, folk, classical, and funk. Tim lived in New Orleans for a number of years, and his music is heavily influenced by the city’s tradition of musical experimentation. His songs, featuring solo guitar and combo instrumentals as well as vocals, range from upbeat footstompers to relaxing melodic soundscapes.

Street Dog is Tim Foley’s latest album, a savory blend of smartly crafted songs, expertly backed by his band the Tim Foley Group. It follows the band’s 2023 debut album, Stop Along the Way. Foley, on guitar and vocals, is accompanied by a spirited band including Sonny Barbato on Wurlitzer and Hammond organ; Richard Gates on bass; Fabio Pirozzolo on drums; and producer Lorne Entress on percussion. Additional guitarists include Kevin Barry on five tracks and Mike Marino on one. The songs are all evocative stories written by Foley, except for “I Need Someone,” co-written with musician and guitar maker Taka Moro.

Foley opens the session with the easy-rocking “What You Never Had,” exploring the frustration of unrequited attention from an indifferent audience, and a call from his father telling him he has six months to live, making it an easy decision to leave. As he sings, “Got a call saying they’ll be going soon, couldn’t stop my eyes, couldn’t stop my eyes. Tell them I’ll be packing up this room. Ain’t got no ties here, ain’t got no ties. I grew tired of being the one you weren’t into, you’ll never know now, what you never had,” Foley masks his pain.

On “You Don’t Treat Me Right II,” Foley reprises a song from his debut album, adding a funky beat to Barbato’s organ, as he chimes in anguish, “I try not to complain but you always want to fight, you think I’m doing wrong when I’m trying to do you right.”

“I Need Someone,” the lone co-write with Moro, features a jazzy Foley and guitarist Kevin Barry, as Foley yearns for love and chants, “It’s been so long, since I’ve seen you, start me thinking what did I do, I’ve got these reasons, excuses too, but back then, I didn’t have a clue.”

On “Red Beans and Rice,” seasoned by Barbato’s tasty piano and Marino’s sizzling guitar solo, Foley belts, “If I knew how to cook them, I wouldn’t be out tonight, but I never figured out how to cook red beans and rice.”

“Black Dress NOLA” struts with its New Orleans second-line beat behind Barbato’s accordion and Barry’s stinging guitar solo, as Foley wails, “Put on your black dress NOLA, let’s go out tonight, a little etouffee and wine, everything’s going to be alright.”

Barbato’s organ and piano lead a jazzy intro on the instrumental “Mixed Up,” before guitarist Barry takes over on this fluid, guitar-driven romp.

On the title track, “Street Dog,” a haiku blues song about the stupidity of animal abuse, particularly dog fighting, Foley surrounds his heart-rending canine saga with a lilting musical counterpoint, as he howls, “He’s lost in the world, cornered and scared across town, he’s thrown in a cage.”

On the instrumental “Imperial Blues March,” about the imperialistic invasions of powerful countries, Foley plays some emotive slide guitar.

On “Call Me On The Phone,” Foley returns to a search for love as he croons, “I’m so new to this city, I go everywhere alone, with all these women everywhere, I just need one to call my phone.”

The closer, the delightful instrumental “Fathead,” gives the band members a chance to showcase their considerable skills.

Foley adds, “The sounds of Street Dog will probably be considered roots music featuring electric funk blues with some New Orleans spice mixed in.” It’s a potpourri of sonic delights, with Foley’s cool vocal presence floating above the easy rhythms of this rootsy session.

Richard Ludmerer

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