The Blues are alive and well in Austria as proven by the most recent recording from Sir Oliver Mally Blues Distillery.
This band was formed in 1991 in Austria and they have since worked steadily throughout Europe averaging 180 shows a year while recorpng 6 CDs along the way. Their most recent recording, "Bulletproof", clearly shows that these are seasoned blues veterans that have paid their dues and have written great songs about the journey. I was pleasantly surprised when I put on this CD and heard a variety of not so traditional influences in their music, while still managing to make it into a great blues recording. Without going over each song, I can tell you that my first impression was a Dire Straits influence and I wondered if this was where they were going to go on the entire CD. Man was I wrong. I was thrilled to hear various influences from song to song like Taj Mahal, B.B. King, Country Joe and the Fish, Dr.John, Zepplin II, and Room Full of Blues.
These boys from Austria have clearly done their homework in American music, while also giving the music their own unique sound that really makes you want to see them live.
Walter Krienz is a solid bass player, Willy Hackl is truly a world class drummer, and vocalist. Raphael Wressing will stun you with his Hammond B-3 playing, as well as his piano skills, and last but not least, Oliver Mally himself on blistering guitar leads and vocals.
Randy Oxford, Washington Blues Society
