Opis
1. Express Connection 1:58
2. Used To Be Someone 3:24
3. Babe On The Run 2:56
4. Pale Blue Eyes 8:31
5. Shoestring Blues 3:24
6. Extra Boom 3:30
7. Seeds In The Bag 5:10
8. Bite Me Like A Snake 3:31
9. No Future In Your Past 3:46
10. Beast Walk 3:59
Total = 40:10
Release date: April 16th, 2021
All songs written by Tomislav Goluban except No. 4 (Lou Reed)
Produced by: Jeff Jensen & Tomislav Goluban
MUSICIANS:
Tomislav „Little Pigeon“ Goluban: vocals (except No. 5) & harmonicas
Jeff Jensen: guitars
David Green: drums
Rick Steff – keys
Bill Ruffino: bass
Mark Johnson – slide guitar (4,5,7,8,10) & guitar (2)
Kirk Smothers – saxophone (2,9,10)
Marc Franklin – trumpet (2,9,10)
Joseph Franher – backing vocals (8)
Kelly Zirbes – vocals (5,7), backing vocals (2,4,8,9)
Recorded in Memphis, TN USA at Ardent Studios, January 24th & 25th, 2019 & January 27th & 28th, 2020 by Mike Wilson
Mixed by Jeff Bakos at Bakos Amp Works
Mastered by Till Palmer
Design: Igor Vranjes
Photos: Neven Gerencir, Aigars Lapsa
Traditional blues disciple from Eastern Europe, Tomislav Goluban, aka Little Pigeon, returns with his 12th album, “Express Connection,” continuing his mission to prove that music is truly an international language and as the title suggests is a vehicle to connect all people. The 10 tracks, 9 original and 1 cover, may be considered the sequel to his previous album, “Memphis Light,” as he once again assembled a crew of likeminded souls to record at Ardent studios in Memphis TN. Although the two recording sessions took place a year apart, the continuity of sound and substance remains, due to the expert work of Mike Wilson at Ardent and Jeff Bakos at the famed Bakos Amp Works in Atlanta.
Goluban’s theatrical harmonica playing is nimbly placed in the musical center of a strong ensemble sound created by the fine rhythm section of David Green on drums, Bill Ruffino on bass with keyboardist Rick Steff and stellar guitar playing from Mark Johnson and co-producer Jeff Jensen. Saxophone from Kirk Smothers and trumpet from Mark Franklin were added to three of the tracks to create an authentic Memphis Horns sound. The icing on the cake is Southern California singer songwriter Kelly Zirbes, not only taking advantage of her dexterous vocal talents, but also her lyrical skills on the collection of new material and one selected cover.
The set opens with the first of three instrumentals that display the full breath of talent Goluban has on theharmonica. ‘Express Connection,’ the title track, is aptly named as it clocks in at well over 140 bpm, quite a workout for David Green and Tomi. The full band with horns comes into play for the satirical hard luck blues, ‘Used To Be Someone,’ with a Butterfield inspired groove. The two-beat foot stomper, ‘Babe On The Run,’ feels like an Electric Mud update and Mark Johnson delivers some fine high lonesome slide guitar playing for the redux of ‘Pale Blue Eyes,’ a deep cut from the Velvet Underground catalog that Goluban and company frame as a mournful country ballad akin to Willie Nelson covering Lou Reed.
“Working with Tom was such a joy, I am thrilled that he trusted in me to bring a different voice to his
music,“ says Kelly Zirbes of her collaboration with Goluban, who handed over lead vocals to her for the
driving ‘Shoestring Blues.’ The Chicago shuffle ‘Extra Boom,’ pays tribute to Chess Records’ hero, Little
Walter, on the album’s second greasy instrumental. Kelly Z joins him again for the duet ‘Seeds In The Bag,’ a coy tete-a-tete over a Professor Longhair-styled piano driven Louisiana rumba. Goluban‘s offbeat witticism is front and center on the rambling country blues ‘Bite Me Like A Snake,’ where he is joined by Joseph Franher, leaving us wondering just exactly what kind of a girl he’s singing about. Soaring horn jabs help fuel the driving plea for peace and redemption in ‘No Future In Your Past,’ calling for social justice. The album closes with the third instrumental, ‘Beast Walk,’ that showcases more of Goluban’s dynamic range on the harmonica that has earned him comparisons to the legendary Sonny Terry.
Consider Tomislav Goluban as one of the best blues harmonica players. He wails on that harp and he sings in the country/delta blues tradition with gravel in his voice and warmth in his heart. His gritty vocals put a spell on you. The band supports Goluban’s vocals and harp adequately, and his light shines bright all over the world. Southland Blues, Jim Santella, July, 2021
Tomislav ”Little Pigeon” Goluban should be considered one of Croatia’s national treasures. Blues Music Magazine, Pete Sardon, July 2021
Goluban is quite an accomplished harmonica player with a swinging style, a big tone, and a marvelous sense of tonal dynamics. Jazz’n’Blues, May • June 2021 • Issue 396, Ron Weinstock, jazz-blues.com
