Paul Coombs Blues Band Double CD release @Stonewall’s Restaurant, Hamilton Friday, October 20, 2023 by Gentleman Jeff
Many people who have been in and around the Hamilton Music scene for any length of time will have at least heard the name Paul Coombs. For almost 40 years, he has been playing, performing, and recording all around the GHA. In 2001 he released a CD of blues tracks, “Feeling Better” to some acclaim but has focussed more on playing with others in recent years. Now, Coombs has come full circle with a double CD release, that features his own band, called “Steeltown Blues” alongside a compilation of his solo efforts, “Paul’s Blues”. Along with some heavy friends, Coombs performed at Stonewall’s last Friday night in celebration of his love of the Blues.
I hadn’t been to Stonewall’s restaurant in at least a decade, and it seems to me that they have really upgraded their sound system along with their stage. The venue has a nice “feel” to it and has a good mix of seating/ standing room and good sight lines. I was greatly impressed by the sound quality and mixing that really brought forth the band’s talent. Loud, but not too loud. The vocals were quite clear, and the instruments sounded distinct from one another.
Backed by the solid rhythm section of Mike Travale (drums) and Bill Good (bass) Coombs handled the room effortlessly. The three have been playing together for a long time and have the musical chemistry to show for it. The addition of a second guitarist was hit and miss. At times, I felt it was unnecessary and/ or competing with Coomb’s guitar. However, the extra six string did not interfere with the delivery of the songs. Backing vocals were supplied by Donna Panchezak, who helped to lift Coomb’s choice of originals and covers to a higher level. Her voice evoked a sweeter Janis Joplin and could easily be mistaken for a Rolling Stones backup singer on the band’s cover of “Gimme Shelter”. Other standout tracks included the title song from “Steel Town Blues”, along with the fan favourite, “Work Sucks”. “Quit Makin’ Bombs” from the Paul’s Blues half of the double CD was an interesting reggae/ blues hybrid, that veered off into a mellow jam before returning to a satisfying end.
Too often, the Blues genre focusses on a jackhammer approach to playing, but the Paul Coombs Blues Band sidestepped this for a more traditional feel. The dynamics between the players was excellent and accented both Paul’s originals and the selected covers, adding layers of meaning and feeling to the tunes. As an afterthought, many of the songs on both the CDs featured Coombs himself with little or no accompaniment. It would have been interesting if the rest of the band had taken some time out to let Paul perform some solo numbers. His voice and guitar playing (particularly his slide abilities) are highly developed and in keeping with the true nature of the blues.
Overall, a darn good night out. Stonewalls hosted the Pedlar/ Trickbag charity event on the Sunday after, which was a big success, and regularly has original music of the bluesy type in their live lineups. Doubtless, The Paul Coombs Blues Band will return there, in addition to their other live appearances—keep your eyes on the local concert listings, and if you are able, pick up the Steeltown Blues/ Paul’s Blues CDs from the man himself.
*Beer Corner--$9.00 pints of Guinness, not bad! (The chicken wings were magnificent!)*
Link to Paul Coombs Blues Band