"The Georgia Healers are the kings of blues around these parts--I've know these guys since the 70's."
Tinsley Ellis (2009)
"What they lack in virtuosity, they more than make-up for in balls!
These guys are the real deal. The Healers play it like it's supposed to be played"
Neil Pattman (1998)
"Heal This! opens with what every man wants - "A Beautiful Girl". I hope you find her guys, but remember what Jimmy Soul once told us, "You'll be happy for the rest of your life, if you make an ugly woman your wife." The Healers certainly do a great job covering this Nick Curran track. Jimmy & John nail the lead and rhythm guitar parts and Donnie is outstanding on the vocals.
"Why Do You Say You Love Me?" should have you wildly shaking one or more of your body parts within 3 seconds from starting. If not, you really should go watch some television, because music ain't your thing. This original track is a ball of fire that just keeps getting hotter. Chuck Berry fans will relate. Of course, with songs of a pace this rapid, it's the rhythm section that makes it all go so well and John and Steve are seeing to that. This is hot stuff.
Now that the fast dancers have gone to catch their breath, it's time for the grinders and the swayers to take the floor, and "I've Got My Eyes On You" is just the song for it. This is one of those numbers where you just close your eyes and let the slow, smooth, soulful melody take over your body. It might just give you flashbacks of those American Bandstand teenagers saying "It had a good beat and was easy to dance to". With the guys in a perfect groove behind him, this one's all Donnie - he wrote it, sings the hell out of it and highlights it with his harp.
Here I am, with eleven tracks left, on a fifteen track disc, and I'm already commenting on four of the five listened to tracks. But "Don't Worry", I have no space constraints and it's obvious I'm loving what I'm listening to. This is another of five originals and it's a hot finger snappin', toe tappin' shuffle. Guitar leads and tight rhythm rule this one.
If you're going to sing a song about a "Red Headed Woman", then, like the woman, you're singing about, the song's got to be hot...and this version sizzles. With John at discs best on bass, the rhythm is immensely intense. Some of Donnie's best harp work can be heard here as well.
Saying "It Comes To Me Naturally", The Georgia Healers could very well be speaking of their own prowess. I surely believe them. This one's another of their typical type tracks - an all out free for all jam with everyone racing towards the finish. Phew! Just listening wore me out.
It may be a "Mean Old World", but with the talent it's given The Georgia Healer's, it certainly wasn't that mean. Being a Little Walter track ya gotta be thinkin' lots of hot harp, and of course - you're right. It, along with the usual great vocals, hot rhythm and excellent guitar work, make this another gem.
Other wonderful tracks on "Heal This" include: "Automatic", "Low Down Woman", "Midnight Tears", "Ridin' In The Moonlight", "Is There Something Inside Of You?", "Taildragger", "Ten Years Of Marriage", and "Wait On Time".
Here I am, on my first review of the new year, just one week after announcing the winner of the 2009 "Blewzzy Award", and I'm thinking this just may be the disc to beat in 2010. I strongly suggest you visit The Georgia Healers at www.thegeorgiahealers.com and get to know more about this band - which you'll do by listening to the disc you buy. Please tell them the Blewzzman sent ya".
If you like your blues old school, you will love the latest release by The Georgia Healers. For over 20 years, the band has been the premier blues band on the Athens, GA music scene, rarely venturing far from the region. Their latest recording, on King Shifty Records, is called Heal This!
The disc features 15 tracks, ten rocking blues covers and five tracks written by singer/harmonica ace Donnie Ray Simonds. Among the cover tunes are two tracks by T-Bird frontman Kim Wilson (“Low Down Woman” and “Wait On Time”), Willie Love’s “Automatic,” Nick Curran’s “Beautiful Girl,” and tracks by Howlin’ Wolf (“Ridin’ In The Moonlight”), Willie Dixon (“Taildragger”), and Little Walter (“Mean Old World”).
The original tracks include the swampy “I’ve Got My Eyes On You,” the rowdy rocker, “Why Do You Say You Love Me?” and “Ten Years of Marriage.” These originals blend almost seamlessly with the cover tunes, mixing elements of Texas and Chicago blues with Southern soul, and Swamp blues.
The Georgia Healers feature a potent twin guitar attack with Jimmy Boleman and John Davis and a tight rhythm section (John Straw – bass, Steve Harding – drums). The disc was recorded in less than a day with no overdubs or effects and it sounds like it was a blast to be there. Producer John Keane deserves a tip of the hat for capturing that vintage blues sound so effectively.
If you like your blues played straight, in the recent tradition of bands like the Fabulous Thunderbirds or Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, this set belongs in your collection. Ramble on over to CDBaby and give this disc a spin.
--- Graham Clarke
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