What can you say about an artist that is already in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, been recording for 55 years and has over 30 studio albums to his credit? Dion refuses to slow down on his most passionate project to date with Tank Full Of Blues. That's saying quite a lot considering his career accomplishments. This is the 3rd in a trilogy of Blues albums recorded by Dion starting with 2006's Bronx In Blue. What makes this one different is that these tunes were almost entirely written by Dion. The album kicks off with the title cut and clever lyrics like, "I've got a woman who really wants me, I've got another who wants me gone". It sets the pace for the journey you're about to embark on. Other standouts include "I Read It (In The Rolling Stone)" which pays tribute to the iconic magazine as well as a nice shout out to his friend, Robert Plant. "Ride's Blues" is the center piece of the album detailing a fictional conversation with Robert Johnson as he's driven to the Crossroads. Pay special attention to the lyrics and imagery in this and many of the tracks on this project. Not only are the lyrics delivered passionately, it also describes Dion's guitar playing on this project. You hear it in every note. It's almost like this album has been welling up inside him for decades. Listen to the slow blues burner "Two Train" and you'll see what I mean. "I'm Ready To Go" has a bit of a Rockabilly shuffle that would make Carl Perkins proud. He might even be channeling some of Carl's guitar mastery here too. "Bronx Poem" is one of the more unique and refreshing ways to close out at an album. It's a spoken word delivery over some tasty blues with Dion speaking from the heart. If a generation needs a blueprint for "keeping it real", this is it. Tank Full Of Blues not only will appeal to fans of Blues but also fans of current projects by the likes of Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Gregg Allman and others. Dion has a tank full of inspiration and we're all the better for it!
-James Riley/ www.rockabillynblues.com
Hear "I Read It (In The Rolling Stone)" from Rolling Stone magazine HERE
