by Tom Baldino
Just released, this recording marks 35 years on the music scene for one of the most powerful voices in the Americana/Roots genre. Alexis P. Suter’s nineth release, this live recording took place at the Falcon and included legendary keyboard player for The Band, Garth Hudson on piano and accordion. Alexis is a New York state resident and frequent performer at Levon Helm’s Ramble, so this made for a terrific pairing. Joining them were her band members, Jimmy Bennett on guitar, Ray Grappone on drums, Peter Bennett on bass, and Vicki Bell on vocals. In addition, were Linda Pino on vocals, Benny Harrison on keys, and at the time 17-year-old Woodstock resident Conner Kennedy on guitar for several tracks.
The opening tune, the Blind Willie Johnson gospel blues song “John the Revelator,” was a perfect jumping off point for this live collection, with Alexis’s roof raising vocals, Jimmy’s great slide work over a rhythm section anchored by Peter’s bass, Ray’s drums and Vicki’s strong backing vocals. Next, with a warm and sincere introduction by Alexis, Garth took the stage, and for the next five minutes serenades the audience with a “Garth Hudson Solo” that makes it evident why he considered one of the finest keyboard players of his era. It’s followed by a band original, “Right on Time,” a short instrumental, again featuring Jimmy’s suburb slide work on a song that ends too soon!
We are rewarded, when the band then jumps right into a blues drenched version of Gregg Allman’s classic tune “It’s Not My Cross to Bear.” Again, Alexis has the vocal inflection coupled with the intensity to take this song to the next level. The excellent guitar provided by Jimmy over the interplay of Garth’s piano and Benny’s keyboards, leads to a powerful ending that shows why this band is at their best in a live setting. The original tune “Whistling in the Dark,” slows things down, and provides some sobering social commentary that’s just as relevant today as it was when it was recorded.
Next up, Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” begins with some fine picking on guitar by Jimmy, with Alexis joining him with hushed vocals that build without going over the top and surely gets the anti-war message across. Garth, who was there at the song’s creation, adds some poignant piano, only heightening the effect. Another original, “Hole That I’m In,” a song about helping your fellow man in need, begins with a great drum beat and prominently features Benny’sfine keys along with some tasty guitar from Jimmy. With Alexis providing her strong vocals, it becomes a battle cry for the oppressed.
“Rise,” is a nearly ten-minute Allmanesque opus featuring Conner’s soaring guitar and Garth trading piano riffs with Benny’s organ to great effect, and Alexis’s vocals riding like a wave over the top. Again, this needs to be heard live to appreciate the full impact of the song. The original ballad “Only I” followed, and it was a testament to the fact that change only comes from within. Connor again provides some nice guitar accompaniment. “Turn On Your Love Light,” a song that was a hit for Bobby “Blue” Bland in 1961, again featured Connor soloing on guitar with some great vocals by Alexis and backing by Vicki, over a solid beat carried by this tight rhythm section.
The night ended with a beautiful rendition of George Harrison’s masterpiece, “Isn’t it a Pity.” With exquisite guitar picking by Jimmy and Alexis’s heartfelt lyrics, Garth’s accordion only added to the beauty of this version. What a way to end the evening! Pick up a copy or download the music on your favorite streaming service. Better yet, Check them out in person at the Lizzie Rose Room on May 23! (buy tickets online @ www.LizzieRoseMusic.com)