RICH COHEN
SOUR MASH
© 2006 Stonetone Records, Inc (783707345000)
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Guitarist/Vocalist Rich Cohen provides a roots rockin excursion on the Blues. Incendiary heart felt guitar and passion-filled vocals along with blazing blues and beyond harmonica virtuoso, Jason Ricci.
tracks
- 1 Can't Do Nothing About It
- 2 Sour Mash
- 3 2:19
- 4 Bounce and Burn
- 5 Floating Bridge
- 6 Shame On You
- 7 Rx Blues
- 8 Who's That Knockin'?
- 9 Shake Your Hips
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When it comes to the guitar, Rich Cohen can do it all. He is a hybrid artist who can effortlessly connect the strains of hundreds of influences into his own sound. Killer Blues, Jazz, Rock, Funk, Pop, RnB etc... epitomizes his eclectic electric approach. Soulful heart-felt vocals and mature songwriting reflect his singer/songwriter talents, while his instrumental acoustic playing traverses territory as diverse as Blues, Jazz, folk, Celtic, classical, Indian, Brazilian and African.
“Sour Mash”, Rich Cohen's 3rd release in two years, is yet another display of Rich’s awesome diversity; this time hopping around various flavors of the Blues with a rocking take on the classic Slim Harpo tune “Shake Your Hips”, Rich’s jump-swing flavored instrumental “Bounce and Burn”, the gospel-tinged Sleepy John Estes tune “Floating Bridge”, a swampy vamp on Tom Waits penned “2:19” and other rocking originals by Rich.
Having spent many years as a touring musician and session guitarist from a wide variety of genres, Rich takes the wheel by returning to his blues roots with the release of SOUR MASH featuring harmonica virtuoso Jason Ricci. Rich called upon some great cats from New York’s blues scene to assist in the rhythm section: Barry Harrison on drums, who played with Johnny and Shemekia Copeland, George Papa George on organ plays with everybody from Mighty Sam McClain to Melvin Sparks, Rod Gross who plays with Bo Diddley also helped out on drums on a few tracks.
Killer blues, soulful vocals and fluid guitar work...
That's what Rich Cohen provides with his earnest mix of fusing blues, jazz and rock n' roll. Seasoned by an underlying vibe that conveys equal parts tribute and interpretation, Rich Cohen delivers on the promise of dropping jaws with his blazing heart-felt guitar and passion filled vocals.
Rich Cohen performance and recording credits include:
Ricki Lee Jones, Ted Hawkins, Chuck Jackson, Buddy Miles, Lucky Peterson, Billy Branch, Magic Slim, Phoebe Snow, Gavin Degraw, Was (Not Was), Jason Ricci, Majek Fashek, Alvaro Torres, NooVooDoo, Sweet Georgia Brown, Bill Simms, Gwen Cleveland, Mason Casey, Gary Allegretto, French Cookin'Blues Band, Moose & The Bulletproof Band, Slam Allen, Gerry Gibbs, Ari Ben Moses, Blue Machine, JT Ross and numerous others.
Great originals, classic traditionals and a healthy dose of good time jumpin' swing.
For Booking:
Email: rich@richcohenmusic.com or visit www.richcohenmusic.com
reviews
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...one of the finest and toughest Indie releases we’ve heard in a long while. Wa
author: Andy Grigg/Real Blues MagazineHere’s a hard-driving, Blue-collar Blues album with a whole pile of grit. The kind of music you’d like to drink-and-dance-to, losing your inhibitions and leaving all troubles behind as you shuffle-stumble all the moves you thought you’d forgotten. Yes sir, this is what I call Foundation Blues; Truthful, Soul-ful and to-the-point. Nothin’ fancy, but then again, so few bands can even play like this anymore. It comes from knowing your Blues History and paying-your-dues. Rich ‘The Flavor’ Cohen has obviously absorbed countless hours of Freddy King, Eddie Taylor and Luther Johnson a.k.a ‘Guitar Junior’ Johnson as his playing is definitely Chicago style and outstanding from start to finish. Cohen’s a picker a lot of guys wish they sounded like. Harpman Jason Ricci is a real surprise too; this guy can wail and he’s got loads of tone. Inventive melodic playing abounds. Well-known Hammond organ star George Papa George is on 6 of 9 tracks, Admir Hadzic handles bass throughout and drum chores are shared by Rod Gross or Barry Harrison. “Can’t Do Nothing About It” is a very solid, swinging opener featuring an almost free-form harp solo from Ricci and a fast, tasty guitar solo from Cohen on top of a driving groove. Nice. “Sour Mash” really kicks this into high-gear with Cohen showing his chops off and I have to admit this guy plays nice stuff. Finding musicians who possess both technical expertise and inventive sense of melody is a rare occurrence but Cohen makes his instrument sing. “2:19” is an example of both Ricci and Cohen cutting loose with Harrison laying down a funky New Orleans style beat. Tom Waits would definitely dig this take on his tune. “Bounce and Burn” is an up-tempo romp with Cohen going-for-the-throat. Man, this guy can play. Oh ya! Tasty is an understatement. I can see the Flyin’ Lyndy-hoppers dancing to this one. A perfect example of all-the-right-notes reminiscent of Joel Scott Hill’s “Hill Stomp” (only better…). The Sleepy John Estes tune “Floating Bridge” is a unique choice for coverage and the New Orleans Gretna Incident in Sept 2005 comes to mind when listening to the lyrics. Ricci shows he’s got great acoustic harp chops as well and Cohen does a fine job on arrangements. “Shame On You” is a Texas-style grinder with hormones to spare, while “Rx Blues” (“Prescription Blues”?) is definitely out of the Howlin’ Wolf school of hypno-Blues and Cohen pulls out all the stops on this one. Fiery playing with some ‘Evil’ wah-wah thrown in to the mix. Cohen’s got all the bases covered when it comes to Blues Guitar Genres. Nice Hammond organ from Papa George. This is probably the set-closing number on ‘live’ shows as it certainly has Power to blow minds. “Who’s That Knockin’?” takes us down to Louisiana for a dose of Swamp Blues. Nasty stuff. But nice! Guaranteed to cause dance-floor pandemonium with Ricci blowing like Jerry McCain or Frank Frost. Cohen picks out Blue notes and sends them cascading down like rain. God this tune is incredible! Best track! Naturally, we end up with Slim Harpo’s “Shake your Hips” from a ‘live’ gig and Ricci goes nuts blowin’ his face off and taking the vocals. These guys prove that they’re a Powerful Force to be reckoned with when playing live and the audience is definitely cryin’ for mercy by the end of this 9-minute rave-up. There’s little difference between the band’s studio tracks and this ‘live’ closing number, which is the way it should be with Great Blues bands. Don’t be surprised if this CD elevates Rich Cohen and Jason Ricci to the Upper Echelons of Blues Players. It is deserved. I will be doing my workouts with this CD on my Discman and only heavy-testosterone stompin’ Blues discs accompany me on my calorie burning/muscle building routines. Rich Cohen & The Blues Prescription are a highly addictive stimulant. Consume in large quantities. 5 Bottles for one of the finest and toughest Indie releases we’ve heard in a long while. Watch for them. …Andy Grigg/Real Blues Magazine
Moving, Deep and Soulful. Got my heart and soul swinging.
author: Tracy F TrainI'm fairly new to the blues scene but was given this Cd ~2 weeks ago and I listen to it EVERYDAY since. It touches me deep down asif it playing inside of me. The guitar playing is astounding, the voice AWESOME. Thanks for a great play and looking forward to more of you in the future. GREAT TALENT.
...these guys establish a groove and command your attention with interest.
author: Dillinger from BLUES MATTERS MAGAZINE FEB/MARCH 2007 ISSUE # 36Rich Cohen leads this fine four-piece outfit with some understated swagger. From the off/on 'Can't Do Nothing About It', the music is right on the button! Fine fretwork throughout, steady rollin' work on the skins by Barry Harrison, neat harp presence from Jason Ricci while on bass, Admir "Dr. Blues" Hadzic keeps it poppin' along nicely. A fine opener indeed that gives you a good idea of what you're in for. 'Sour Mash' is really an instrumental with small spoken parts- a real foot tapper again with fine fret work from Rich. The band gives a good seven minute account on the Tom Waits composition '2:19'. There's nothing rushed here, nothing over the top or too rocky, these guys establish a groove and command your attention with interest. 'Bounce and Burn', an apt title- one to surely get you up on your feet. 'Floating Bridge' has an extended harp intro and is easy going as it bubbles along. 'Rx Blues' leads in with hints of Howlin' Wolf's 'Smokestack Lightnin' with repeated guitar phrases that hypnotize, along with the organ of George Papa George. The last of these fine nine tracks is a live recording of Slim Harpo's 'Shake Your Hips' running over nine minutes and setting a pace with harpman Jason Ricci taking the vocals as well. Always a good live number, this ebbs and flows and rounds off a fine album.
This CD is on FIRE
author: B. PowersDefinite must have for every blues collection.This is a rare jewel of great tunes fantastic guitar work and burning hot harp in 4rth gear,put on your seat belt and enjoy the ride of your life.Im a blues musician with over 200 blues and Blues /Rock cds and this is one of my favorites.Do yourself a favor and buy this one.
Strong roots, a rocking soul and gritty vocals further strengthen the music.
author: Mark E. Waterbury MUSIC MORSELSAlthough it is hard to be truly innovative with blues, Rich Cohen finds a way. ... Rich provides interesting twists and turns to the songwriting, fueled with his distinct guitar personality. The title track smokes with a deep groove. “2.19” has a raw, swampy feel, and flaunts the talents of guest harmonica player Jason Ricci. Strong roots, a rocking soul and gritty vocals further strengthen the music.
" A couple of listens to ...SOUR MASH... was just what the doctor ordered."
author: PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAUROWith my slogan being "The Blues Is My Passion & Therapy" I just had to get my hands on a dose of THE BLUES PRESCRIPTION. A couple of listens to this was just what the doctor ordered. On "SOUR MASH", the pharmacists are: RICH "THE FLAVOR" COHEN, the bands leader, guitarist, vocalist and writer; JASON RICCI on harp; GEORGE PAPA GEORGE on organ, BARRY HARRISON and ROD GROSS on drums; ADMIR "DR. BLUES" HADZIC on bass; BRIAN CHARETTE on piano. The title track, "SOUR MASH", is one of six originals by RICH. It's a funky jam that's appropriately played in the key of "WHIS"....that's right, the whole song is sung in "WHIS-KEY". Hey, I'll drink to that. Along with RICH's interesting vocals, GEORGE, ADMIR and BARRY highlight this harpless track. "2:19" is a seven minute track and anyone who knows JASON "WICKED" RICCI, as he was affectionately referred to in his early Ft. Lauderdale days, knows this means lots of hot harp solos. Once again, RICH's vocals are superb. "BOUNCE & BURN", another original, could not have been more appropriately titled. This smoker will cause you to bounce uncontrollably and when it's done, your hands will surely burn from clapping along. This one's all about the guitar and the drums. It's a fierce instrumental in which RICH and ROD battle it out.........and they both win. It's no wonder this track only lasted about three minutes. Any longer and the rush could have been dangerous. "SHAME ON YOU" could very well be the G-Spot on "SOUR MASH". It's one of those incredible musical moments, that some CD's are fortunate to have, where all the musicians are peaking simultaneously. I lost track of the number of times I replayed it. Hmmmmm, I may have spoken to soon. Either that or these cats are having multiple peaking sessions. "Rx BLUES" takes up right where "SHAME ON YOU" left off. With JASON sitting out this instrumental, the rhythm section absolutely goes wild on this one. Some of the best organ on the disc, and for that matter on any disc, can be heard right here on this track. GEORGE PAPA GEORGE is an absolute genius. Closing out the disc is nearly a ten minute track, recorded live at TRUMPET'S in Montclair, NJ. It's called "SHAKE YOUR HIPS" and I promise you they'll be shakin'. As expected, with this amount of time and in front of a live audience, JASON will be JASON. He closes out the number with a mind blowing two minute harp solo. However, on the way to that, you'll have to sit through a few phenomenal guitar licks by RICH.
On "Sour Mash" you can hear different influences ...raw Chicago blues, gospel, s
author: rootstime.comRich "The Flavor" Cohen is no stranger to the music scene, through his work with Ricki Lee Jones, Ted Hawkins, Chuck Jackson, Buddy Miles, Lucky Peterson, Billy Branch, Phoebe Snow, Gavin Degraw, Jason Ricci, Majek Fashek, Alvaro Torres, Mason Casey, and many others who all managed to get a hold of him. In the mean time, Rich Cohen started his solo-career and now two years later Cohen is a singer/guitar player who has developed his own style and also writes his own compositions. His former albums "Who's That Knockin?" and "Moods and Meditations", two releases from last year, received a lot of praise, and apart from the many performances (for example at "De blauwe kater" in Leuven, Belguim in January of this year) there was still some time left for the recording of his third album, "Sour Mash". You can picture this music perfectly in a dark shady bar where everyone sits with a whisky, as well as on a festival site. One moment they're playing hard and aggressive, a little later they're playing songs that make you sad; although these moments are rather rare. The ingredients of "Sour Mash" are blues and rock with a fantastic crew always onboard: Barry Harrison (Johnny and Shemekia Copeland) on the drums, George Papa George (Mighty Sam McClain, Melvin Sparks) on the organ, Rod Gross (Bo Diddley) on the drums on a few tracks and co-producer, Admir 'Dr. Blues' Hadzic on bass. Image Cohen makes sure that the group switches seamlessly from blues/rock to rhythm & blues over to jump-swing and that his 'not so everyday/common' guitar playing matches all of Barry Harrison's different drum patterns perfectly. The first number "Can't Do Nothing About It" starts from a simple blues pattern, but very fast it becomes clear that this music is aiming for technical highlights, especially when special guest Jason Ricci is showing his skills on harp. This CD continues with swinging sounds, a passionate voice and especially guitarwork that has a 'greasy' sound. The swinging rhythm that can be heard every now and then makes everything come alive. The vibe of Cohen's "Who's That Knockin'?" and Slim Harpo's "Shake Your Hips" immediately evoke a festival atmosphere. The bass guitar and the drums keep Cohen on track while they both slowly but securely start their orchestrated flight. At certain moments Rich Cohen & The Blues Prescription play true rock, but for sure rock that is built from very nice harmonious guitar improvisations. Also, space is left for quieter numbers as in the gospel-tinted "Floating Bridge", so that it leaves us with enough variety in rhythmic changes. It stays beautiful throughout, while the musical finishing touch was never lost out of sight.For good time jumpin' swing, they're at their best in the instrumental "Bounce and Burn", a track where the band did not forget to make nice sounding music instead of simply proving how technical and how fast they can play. Furthermore, one of the strengths of "Sour Mash" is that six out of the nine numbers were written by Cohen; except for 3 covers that includes a very swampy version of Tom Waits' "2:19". On "Sour Mash" you can hear different influences like raw Chicago blues, gospel, swing and rock. This music holds up well mainly because of the outstanding variety between the tracks.
Great tunes and killer harmonica
author: Tom MuckThe new CD by Rich Cohen is one of the best blues CDs of the year, thanks in part to the harmonica virtuosity of Jason Ricci. Standout tracks are "Who's that Knockin'", which is reminiscent of some of the all-time great Chicago blues classics, with Jason Ricci swinging better than anyone since Little Walter, and "Can't do Nothin' About It". The guitar playing and singing are top-notch as well.
A new blues favorite
author: Michael DevitoMy ears are always out for good blues. That’s exactly what we got at a NJ club two years ago -- the night parts of this ablum were recorded. I went to check out Jason Ricci, ended up completely amazed by Rich Cohen and the Blues Prescription. The tastefulness, the sheer power and soul of his playing took me by surprise. Get this fine album and hear it for yourself. There’s a remarkable range of flavors here, from raw Chicago blues to gospel, even a remarkable, searching exploration of Tom Wait’s “2:19”. Rich has the chops alright. His fine guitar work is everywhere on SOUR MASH, but it’s Rich's deep soul and spirit that move me the most. This man is singing from the heart. Highly recommended!