Unlike the legendary story of blues icon Robert Johnson and his iconic "Cross Road Blues," widely acclaimed blues guitarist Terry Robb and the highly lauded blues pianist David Vest have individually crossed clubs, cities, and countries performing their rich and illustrious discographies to blues fans from north to south, east to west. Now the two musicians have joined forces for CrissCross, the debut album from the duo featuring the almost criminally short but terribly sweet instrumental single "Long Gone Home."
"Long Gone Home" is as rollicking and terrific as one could hope for as Robb lays down an incredibly intricate bit of acoustic guitar work. It's "unmatched virtuosity you almost take for granted because it's never 'showy,'" the duo says. Meanwhile, Vest, not to be outdone, matches him note for note on the piano as "a one-of-a-kind original who makes you believe it when he sings 'Somebody must be walking on my grave.'" Far from the classic plodding of some great blues instrumentals, "Long Gone Home" has plenty of pep for its roughly 90 seconds. It's a track that sees both Robb and Vest take boogie-woogie-leaning solos for great effect while their fellow musician keeps things rolling.
The fact David Vest and Terry Robb sound like they've been joined at the hip for decades is a testament to how formidable both artists are. "Twelve originals, a mix of vocals and instrumentals," the duo says. "In the tradition of Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell, Tampa Red and Georgia Tom, Lonnie Johnson and Blind John Davis." The result is a combination whose synergy makes "Long Gone Home" essentially precious and pure perfection.
The song is just one of a slew of great tracks from CrissCross. Other highlights include the fantastic boogie of "Electra Jane," with Robb's blazing fingerpicking complementing Vest's toe-tapping, head-bobbing tickling of the ivories, each allowing the other to shine while forming a perfect chemistry together. Another keeper is the tranquil, contemplative "Natural Facts" that welds classical music with the blues for surprisingly stellar results. It's not your standard genre combination all that often, but both Robb and Vest tackle the song with verve and dexterity.
The tandem of Vest and Robb combines a wealth of experience and musicianship. Vest has shared the stage with the likes of Big Joe Turner, Bo Diddley, and country legend Faron Young, among others. He has also won six Maple Blues Awards and five Muddy Awards. Meanwhile Robb has worked with Diddley, Joe Cocker, Maria Muldaur, Johnny Winter and Steve Miller among countless others. These collaborations are in addition to 19 Muddy Awards for Robb and being a member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame.
"Long Gone Home" is the latest single from CrissCross, out on Cordova Bay Records, the collaborative album between Vest and Robb. And the tandem have come from different roads. Vest was born in Alabama but has called Canada home for some time. On the other hand, Robb was born in Vancouver but has called Portland, Oregon home for many years. Hence the album title of crisscrossing the continent and also the border seems quite apt.
In short, you have two blues legends with more than eight decades of experience combined. Put the two together, and as much as each has to offer individually, the sum is greater than the parts. Both Vest and Robb have individually had albums top various blues and roots music charts throughout their rich musical histories. Now with "Long Gone Home," look for Vest and Robb to only further cement their status as two of the best in the business of the blues. Thank goodness they crossed paths!
David Vest and Terry Robb Tour Dates
November 2, 2024 -- Blue Frog Studios -- White Rock, BC (Record Release Show)
November 9, 2024 -- Hermann's Jazz Club -- Victoria, BC (Record Release Show)
November 10, 2024 -- Duncan Showroom -- Duncan, BC (Record Release Show)
