The prime movers and shakers of “Black Pearl” chatted together for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio as part of Pete Feenstra’s weekly show. First broadcast 27 March 2022.
Redline Records [Release date 22.04.22]
Lockdown has been a blessing and a curse for musicians. For at least two years they have been deprived of live performance (and income) and even now things are a little stop start. It only takes one member of a band or entourage to scupper a tour if they succumb to that damned virus.
But Lockdown has also helped artists gather their thoughts and songs or seek out new collaborations. Black Pearl is one of those and includes our very own resident lyricist Pete Feenstra. Pete’s ever widening range of contacts, not least via his regular radio interviews, has ushered in several liaisons.
Add to the mix one time Wishbone Ash guitarist Muddy Manninen, and one-time Motown signing Marcus Malone (most recently with Innes Sibun) and you have a formidable combo and new standard bearers for well crafted southern flavoured blues rock.
Opener ‘Angel Town’ sets the scene and places Malone’s world-weary vocals against Manninen’s relentless riffing. Ditto ‘Moment Of Regret’.
‘Cheap Perfume’ and ‘Delivery Man’ have a southern rock flavour and point firmly to bands like Little Feat and the Allman Brothers.
Feenstra’s wording keeps the content sharp and full marks to Manninen’s deft arrangements.
Amongst the standouts ‘Handmade Pearl’ has a nice funky undertow and Malone’s vocal reminds a little of Sly Stone’s soulful drawl. This vibe continues with ‘Mexican Romance’ complete with a ‘Blow By Blow’ feel to Manninen’s Beck-esque breakdown.
‘Natural Light’ – and the band in general – should go down well in the live situation giving perhaps an opportunity for an extended Malone/Manninen guitar wig-out whilst the early single ‘Price On Love’ gives Robert Cray a run for his money.
This is a very competent and accessible album but a bit more light and shade might have been achieved with the judicious use of keys and an instrumental or two which could have further showed off the mainmen’s musical prowess. ‘With My Baby By My Side’ has the seeds of such a groove.
This album should appeal to fans of both Manninen and Malone, and the extra-curricular input of a veteran blues writer, broadcaster and promoter adds a unique and welcome twist. ***1/2
Review by David Randall
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025
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