Avey Grouws Band
By Martine Ehrenclou
There’s nothing like listening to a new album where the first song grabs you by the collar and the winners keep coming the whole way through the 10 tracks. This is Avey Grouws Band and their new album, Tell Tale Heart, out September 24 on Navy House Records, recorded in Nashville at East Iris Studios and Purple House with Grammy-winning producer/engineer Casey Wasner at the helm.
A unique blend of groove-based blues/rock, rock & roll and R&B, Avey Grouws Band is led by one helluva vocalist (Jeni Grouws) and superb guitar player (Chris Avey), with their top-tier band of Bryan West on drums, Randy Leasman on bass and Nick Vasquez on keys. Tell Tale Heart demonstrates that Avey Grouws Band is a group to be reckoned with and that Tell Tale Heart deserves to be heard.
Members of the Avey Grouws Band met in 2015 at Muddy Waters, a blues bar on the Mississippi River in Bettendorf, Iowa. Grouws, then working as a morning radio personality, dropped by Muddy Waters to hear a blues jam led by Chris Avey and Bryan West. The chemistry was right and Avey and Grouws performed for a year as a duo. In 2017, West and Leasman joined them and keyboard player Nick Vasquez came on board in 2019.
Their debut album, Devil May Care, was released to critical acclaim in March of 2020, reaching #10 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart. The band received a Blues Music Award nomination for best debut album by a new artist. The album was also nominated for four Independent Blues Awards and their song “Come and Get This Love” won finalist placement in the International Songwriting Competition.
Jeni Grouws and Chris Avey composed the songs on Tell Tale Heart during the coronavirus pandemic and a few of the lyrics reflect the health crisis and socio/political turmoil during that year.
The album kicks off with the killer song “Love Raining Down,” a blues rocker with infectious rhythm. With powerhouse vocalist Jeni Grouws leading the way, the entire band is on fire, locked tight with expert drumming, guitar, keys and bass. Chris Avey lets loose on a brilliant guitar solo and the song builds to a blues/rock symphony of groove.
This band kicks a**.
Another standout, “Bad, Bad Year” is a raging blues rocker that opens with overdriven guitar, organ and solid drumming. About the political unrest and division among friends, Grouws grabs this tune with gusto and grit. It’s been a while since a vocalist gave me the chills. Grouws digs deep and you can’t turn away. She’s a belter with deep rooted soul. Avey’s guitar rips with emotion and intensity—a thrilling guitarist to listen to.
Slowing things down a bit is “Tell Tale Heart,” a blues rock power ballad with a definite edge. About an unfaithful lover, it’s moody, soaked with guitar distortion. Grouws grabs this scorcher with both hands and takes off. Avey unleashes a stunning guitar solo that whines and moans the secrets of a dark bar on the wrong side of town.
A bold move for a sophomore album but one that exceeds expectations, is the seven-minute instrumental “Mariana.” A must-listen for guitar fans, Avey’s guitar work hints of Robin Trower with precision and deep soulfulness. Shimmering cymbals, subtle keyboards and bass, are the backdrop for a powerful instrumental. A gem.
Before more funky blues enter the sonic picture, “Daylight” lightens the mood. A refreshing interlude, it displays more of the band’s strong songwriting.
“We’re Gonna Roll” is a funky party starter about the need to break out and celebrate in the post pandemic world. And celebrate the band does with wonderful rhythmic guitar licks and spotlight on keyboards. Avey Grouws Band is on the way to the top.
Highly recommended.
Listen to “Love Raining Down”
Tell Tale Heart order link
Love raining down sure does grab you! Good hook, good tempo
Thanks for the heads up Martine I’ll definitely check these guys out !
I love it …
One of the very best blues and blues/rock bands in the country. They put on a fantabulous concert! Worth a listen.
Kicks booty WOW !!!!!!