Review: Rich Hope — ‘I’m All Yours’

Vancouver, BC’s veteran blues-rocker Rich Hope just released his fourth album I’m All Yours, in October of 2018, his first full-length release since 2009. The new album was recorded at Vancouver’s Little Red Sounds studio with producer Felix Fung. The 10 new tracks are a throwback collection of gritty, high energy R&B-flavored 70’s garage rock with a touch of blues that would have made this album massive in the early seventies and had us rechecking the date of release more than once.  I’m All Yours finds Hope and his longtime band bassist Erik Nielsen, keyboardist Matt Kelly, and drummer Adrian Mack paying tribute to heroes T. Rex, New York Dolls and David Bowie.

The opening track “It Come Alive,” is a spinning psychedelic reverb-soaked romp that slides right into the Brit pop inspired “Golden Clouds,” that features rocking guitars and sweet harmonies. The heavily effected “Creepstone,” is a spooky bit of Northern soul rave-up. The tempo slows way down but the volume remains at eleven for the deep blue flame out sludge rocker “La Iguana,” then shifts back up for the charming bit of country rock “Blow Away,” featuring a tasty horn section and just enough twang to induce us to hoist a cold one. The splendid organ from Kelly highlights the groovy “5 Cents A Dance” which is eerily reminiscent of the unmistakable “96 Tears” from Question Mark and the Mysterians. An infectious bass riff kicks off the radio ready “Some Kind Of Love,” with Hope doing his best Eric Burdon, along with a hot sax solo from Jerry Cook, making this the album’s strongest track. Hope takes a side trip to the delta for the low-down “Paranoia Blues,” before the party ramps up for the woolly-bully style garage rocker “Running Shoes,” then get his Stones on for the album closer “Heartbreaker,” for a swirling finale.

(Check out ‘I’m All Yours below via Bandcamp and get more info about Rich Hope on Facebook HERE.) 

Rick Bowen

Rick grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan playing in school band, choir and show bands. While earning a BA at Western Michigan University in History and Social Science, he was a member of the Bronco marching band and jazz ensemble Gold Company. Moving to the Northwest in 1994, Rick soon landed gigs and sessions with many diverse local artists and is currently a member of the award winning Stacy Jones Band and the host of the all ages School of Jam. Rick is also an associate producer and session musician for Critical Sun Recordings, a contributing writer at Innocent Words, Seattle Examiner, No Depression, The Washington Blues Society and S.T.E.A.M magazine, and serves on the board of directors for the Washington Blues Society. Rick is endorsed by and plays THUMPER CUSTOM DRUMS. Awards: Washington Blues Society “Best of the Blues” award 2009 Best New Band –Stacy Jones Band WBS “Best of the Blues” award 2012 Best Blues Jam - Oxford Saloon Monday Night Jam 2013 & 2014 WBS Best Blues Writer award. 2014 WBS Chris Leighton Blues Drummer BB Award. Nominations: 2009 & 2013 Best Blues Drummer WBS BB awards. 2012 Best NW recording “No Need To Spell it Out –Stacy Jones Band (Rick J Bowen co producer)

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