Examiner.com, May 20, 2012

Atlanta’s 'Delta Moon' releases new album and will play the Park Tavern
By Chris Martin

Examiner.com

The first time my ears were treated to the guitar playing of one Mr. Tom Gray was at the EARL in Atlanta around 2004. Armed with a collection of Dobros, he was the special guest during a Kevn Kinney solo show. As he effortlessly manipulated his guitars creating some of the sweetest sounds to ever pass through my ear holes, I had to find out more about his music, which led me to Delta Moon.

Their music is driven by a double guitar attack from Tom Gray and Mark Johnson with bassist Franher Joseph laying down the smooth rhythms while drummer Marlon Patton keeps everyone in-line. The Atlanta band has a distinct sound as they give new life to the blues filling their albums with originals and their interpretations of classic tunes. On their latest record Black Cat Oil they have made a few changes by incorporating a little more Americana and southern roots flavor while keeping that bluesy sound that they have perfected.

The first time my ears were treated to the guitar playing of one Mr. Tom Gray was at the EARL in Atlanta around 2004. Armed with a collection of Dobros, he was the special guest during a Kevn Kinney solo show. As he effortlessly manipulated his guitars creating some of the sweetest sounds to ever pass through my ear holes, I had to find out more about his music, which led me to Delta Moon.

Their music is driven by a double guitar attack from Tom Gray and Mark Johnson with bassist Franher Joseph laying down the smooth rhythms while drummer Marlon Patton keeps everyone in-line. The Atlanta band has a distinct sound as they give new life to the blues filling their albums with originals and their interpretations of classic tunes. On their latest record Black Cat Oil they have made a few changes by incorporating a little more Americana and southern roots flavor while keeping that bluesy sound that they have perfected.

Songs such as “Down And Dirty”, "Applejack” and “Walk Out On The River” treat the listener to a new sound from the band. The blues is not gone but a heavier rock vibe moves to the forefront. Don’t worry, the dirty blues Gray and crew are known for is still all over this record just listen to “Jukin’”, “Black Coffee” or the Mississippi Fred McDowell cover “Write Me A Few Of Your Lines”. With a plethora of killer music to enjoy Delta Moon saved their best for these two tunes which offer up an all out assault on the listener’s auditory senses. With smooth rhythms and a swampy guitars “Blues In A Bottle” delivers a sound similar to John Fogerty but Gray’s gravelly voice let’s you know it is all his. The other song, “Black Cat Oil”, mixes in keyboards for a sound reminiscent of Fame Studios or Stax Records. These two tracks are the best on a record of great songs from start to finish.

The more I have listened to Black Cat Oil, the more I enjoy it. Delta Moon has delivered a complete album with their 7th release. It will not only excite the fans of their brand of blues, but should also draw new folks into their musical world. Black Cat Oil is set to be released this coming Tuesday, May 22nd. Check your local record stores or you can grab it online.

If that is not enough people of Atlanta, on June 3rd Delta Moon will be headlining the 99x Unplugged in the Park. For the past 10 years this has been a staple in the Atlanta music community, offering up a wide range of bands. The show is at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park and Delta Moon will be sharing the stage with Some Dark Holler and Seven Handle Circus. While their albums are a great listen, nothing compares to experiencing Delta Moon live and in person. I highly suggest you mark the calendar because not only do you get to partake in some great music, it is FREE to attend.