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Artiest/Band: Tim Foley Group
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• If it were possible to turn gumbo into music, Tim Foley cooks with all the right ingredients. The Massachusetts-based singer, songwriter and guitarist once made New Orleans his home, soaking up its eclectic musical heritage. He's filtered those styles and influences through his own sensibilities and created his own indefinably delicious style.
The result is his latest album, Street Dog, a savory blend of smartly crafted songs, expertly backed by his band, the Tim Foley Group. It follows the band's 2023 debut album, Stop Along the Way, another session based on Foley's imaginative songwriting and this spirited band, which includes Foley on vocals and guitar, Sonny Barbato on Wurlitzer and Hammond organ, Fabio Pirozzolo on drums, Richard Gates on bass, producer Lorne Entress on percussion, and Kevin Barry and Mike Marino on guitar. The songs are all evocative stories told by Foley, except I Need Someone, which credits its music to Foley, plus musician and guitar-maker Taka Moro.
The sounds of Street Dog, Foley says, “Will probably be considered roots music featuring electric funk blues with some New Orleans spice mixed in.” It's a potpourri of sonic delights, with Foley's cool vocal presence floating above the easy rhythms of this rootsy music.
Foley opens the session with the easy rocking What You Never Had, exploring the frustration of unrequited attention from an indifferent audience and a call from his father telling him he has six months to live, making it an easy decision to leave. “Got a call saying they’ll be going soon, couldn’t stop my eyes, couldn’t stop my eyes. Tell them I’ll be packing up this room. Ain’t got no ties here, ain’t got no ties.”
Foley’s light vocal touch masking the pain: “I grew tired of being the one you weren’t into / You’ll never know now, what you never had.” You Don't Treat Me Right II reprises You Don't Treat Me Right from the first album, adding a funky beat and Barbato's Hammond organ to still more lover's anguish: “I try not to complain but you always want to fight / You think I’m doing wrong when I’m trying to do you right.”
Despite the romantic hardship, Foley still yearns for love in the jazzy refrains of I Need Someone: “It’s been so long, since I’ve seen you / Starts me thinking what did I do / I’ve got these reasons, excuses too / But back then, I didn’t have a clue.” Foley adds New Orleans spice in a quest for Red Beans and Rice, seasoned by Barbato's tasty piano and Marino's sizzling guitar solo: “If I knew how to cook them, I wouldn’t be out tonight / But I never figured out how to cook red beans and rice.”
Black Dress NOLA struts out with a New Orleans' second-line attitude behind Barbato's accordion and a stinging guitar solo from Barry: “Put on your black dress NOLA, let’s go out tonight / A little étouffée and wine, everything's going to be alright.” Barbato's organ and piano lead a jazzy intro to the instrumental Mixed-Up, before launching into Barry's fluid, guitar-driven romp.
| “With an uptown jazzy groove, Foley and company deliver a well-rehearsed set of tunes for sophisticated listeners. Foley may remind some of Robben Ford with his easy swaying, funky delivery.” Metronome Magazine |
Tim Foley has stirred his vibrant gumbo of influences into the delectable stew of Street Dog, unleashing his musical mojo to work on you. Enjoy it by the earful!
Jim White
BIOGRAPHY
Tim Foley is a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist whose sound doesn't settle easily into a descriptive box. You'll hear an amalgamation of musical styles he has gravitated towards, which include blues, jazz, folk, classical, and funk. Tim lived in New Orleans for a number of years, and his music is heavily influenced by the city’s tradition of musical experimentation. His songs, featuring solo guitar and combo instrumentals as well as with vocals, range from upbeat foot stompers to relaxing melodic soundscapes.
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For more information: Betsie Brown, Blind Raccoon | betsie@blindraccoon.com |
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www.timfoley.space/ |
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