With a career spanning fifty years in music, Welsh songwriter Dave Thomas's latest album can be viewed as a three-act, genre-crossing tribute to the work of this most versatile of musicians.
Act One comprises of four songs deeply rooted in laid back Chicago Blues. Thomas sings, plays guitar and harmonica like a master bluesman across the Hammond and horn drenched selection of covers and originals. Highlights include B.B. King’s ‘It’s My Own Fault’ and ‘Poor Boy’.
Act Two sees Thomas enlist the help of Irish multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Declan Sinnott, who plays all the instruments on tracks five to seven. Musically, it’s a more laid back section with Thomas adding his smooth vocals over Sinnott’s Celtic guitarwork. Stand out tracks include the soulful ballad ‘You Danced In My Kitchen’ and the folk-tinged ‘There’s A Train’.
Taking the music to the next level in Act Three, Thomas enlists blues-rock trio The Groundhogs as his backing band, ensuring a high octane finish. Mixing searing slide guitar, catchy hooks, and heavy riffs together they emulate the sounds of past blues rock trios such as Taste and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. ‘Garden’ and ‘Strange Town’ in particular stand out.
‘One More Mile’ is a showcase of a journeyman who in his fifty-year career has lost none of his talent or love for his work. Ranging from blues, folk, and rock, Dave Thomas has been there, played it, and mastered it. A highly recommended and enjoyable listen.