Here’s the best-selling blues CD in our catalog—and for good reason. Blues Revue calls the Trio “three of Maryland’s finest blues musicians.” Authentic Piedmont and Delta blues from Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Willie McTell, Leadbelly, plus a handful of tasty originals. The Blue Rider Trio has a relaxed, appealingly original acoustic sound with surprising rhythmic sock. And, this is some of the most spectacular blues sound on CD. A Bound For Sound Recording of Exceptional Merit. (#56962)

Ben Andrews, guitar/vocals
Mark Wenner, guitar
Jeff Sarli, bass

TRACK LISTING:

IF YOU ENJOYED PREACHIN' THE BLUES, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT:

REVIEWS:

Bound For Sound:
reviewed by Martin G. DeWulf

Recording of Exceptional Merit.
Raw, acoustic blues that will have you smellin’ Mississippi cotton and cursin’ the bol weevil. This trio led by the extremely talented Ben Andrews (guitar and vocals), has the rare ability of sounding fresh, fast and improvisational, while never missing a lick or taking a wrong turn. A studio with turning tape machines and an operating room-like sterility, can rob a musician of his vitality, making his music sound over rehearsed and lacking in life. This band, recording at the relaxed confines of the Pierre M. Sprey manor, never falls into an artistic rut, always maintaining a high intensity level.

Comprised of an acoustic blues guitar, harmonica and slap bass, the Blue Rider Trio is one part Mississippi back 40, one part hillbilly rock and one part folk balladeer. There is nothing electric here, and Ben Andrews can play a box guitar into splinters Ü a John Lee Hooker with overhead cams and a turbo charger! If you are looking for something completely different that will energize your stereo system, this is the place to look.

Hi Fi News & Record Review :
reviewed by Ken Kessler

At first glance, yet another white boy lost in the blues. But this purist has style, intensity and sincerity Ü not necessarily in that order Ü so don’t cringe at the thought of a disc which opens with a cover of a Robert Johnson song. Audio casualties note: this was recorded without any filtering, compression, EQ’ing, noise reduction, multi-tracking or overdubbing. Hell, the notes even talk about minimal-length cabling, so revel in an [A*:1/2] experience.

August 1992

Blues Review:
reviewed by Thomas J. Cullen III

The Blue Rider Trio consists of three of Maryland’s finest blues musicians: guitarist/vocalist Ben Andrews, harpist Mark Wenner from The Nighthawks, and bassist Jeff Sarli of Big Joe & the Dynaflows. The focus of this tight set of country blues standards is on Ben Andrews’ plaintive voice and heartfelt picking. There is little new ground broken but the support of Wenner and Sarli provides this album with a special sound. Mark Wenner can play with delicacy or fury depending on the tune and never fails to amaze with his versatility. Jeff Sarli’s gently throbbing string bass provides a surging bottom that propels the fast tunes with a refreshing rockabilly feel. On the slow tunes his subdued playing deftly anchors the interplay between guitar and harmonica. Ben Andrews’ playing is most influenced by Robert Johnson and Blind Willie McTell as the titles indicate, but there are surprises like Mississippi John Hurt’s ethereal Pay Day. Ben Andrews contributed the originals Freight Train Boogie and She Don’t Do Me Wrong. Fans of Cephas & Wiggins, Ball & Sultan, or Steve James will enjoy this relaxed set of country nuggets.

Fall 1994

Pulse!:
reviewed by Ted Drozdowski

More deliciously trad is Preachin’ the Blues (Mapleshade), cut by guitarist/singer Ben Andrews, Nighthawks harpist Mark Wenner and bassist Jeff Sarli under the name Blue Rider Trio. These three mine styles and songs of great country-blues stylists, kicking up clouds of rich delta dust along the way. But the music never sounds dusty; there’s too much love and conviction Ü especially in their affecting spin through Blind Blake’s Early Morning Blues. A pair of Andrews originals also fits comfortably with its distinguished company.

July 1994