Deja Blue – One Of A Kind – No Label

Deja Blue are an Essex band who have been around for a while, quietly making a name for themselves. After recent personnel changes they have ventured into Ray marquis’ Farm Studios to record what I think is their first studio CD. The result is a fine 12 track collection of 11 covers and one original which captures what Deja Blue is all about and conveys very well their authentic sound and approach.

Deja Blue comprises father & son pairing Johnny Kieran on vocals and guitar, John Jnr on guitar, Tom Mccree on harp, TC on bass and Malcolm Pounds on drums.

The CD features a good mix of tracks opening with some fine harp from Tom on “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”, a really good way to kick things off. Other songs covered include Peter Green’s “Merry Go Round”, John Lee Hooker’s “Big Legs, Tight Skirt”, a couple of Bo Diddley cuts, “I Can Tell” & “You Can’t Judge a Book By The Cover”, Elmore James’ “Just Got To Leave” and Otis Span’s “Temperature Is Rising”. Tom comes to the fore again on Little Walter’s “My Babe”, a favourite of the band. The track penned by Johnny, “That Other Man”, sits well amongst these covers.

This CD is a good record of a good band and will, I am sure, be a popular addition to many fans’ collections. Deservedly so, Deja Blue are typical of the many fine, unsung bands playing their trade in the pubs and clubs around Essex and the rest of the UK and, based on this CD and live gigs I have attended, they should be playing at more venues than they are.