Reviews

From The Reader (Omaha, Lincoln & Council Bluffs) - 2000

Bob Malone
Bob Malone
Delta Moon/Chartmaker Records

Mix New Orleans rhythms, boogie woogie piano and the lyrical sensibilities you might expect from Randy Newman. Throw in some influences from Dr. John to John Hiatt to Billy Joel. Like a rich jambalaya, the resulting piano-heavy tracks by Bob Malone have a thick, meaty base, plenty of seasoning and real substance.

This is Malone's second disc for Delta Moon/Chartmaker, focusing on his original songs and tossing in a couple of carefully chosen covers. One of the originals capsulizes the musical gospel according to Malone, "I was born a Yankee, but you can bury me in New Orleans." True to that sentiment, the performer is at his best on upbeat, energetic tunes capitalizing on his Louisiana mixology - Bourbon Street keyboard playing enhanced with a New Orleans' second-line horn section.

Malone's covers include John Hiatt's fine tune, "Have A Little Faith In Me." He also puts plenty of heartfelt emotion into Loudon Wainwright III's "Road Ode" - obviously sharing Wainwright III's wry sentiments about the less than glamorous life most touring musicians endure. The number also features a deft example of Malone's double-fisted keyboard skills.

Malone performed for the Neville Brothers at the Music Hall last year. Malone and his keyboard opened the show; leaving the audience grinning with his often humorous songwriting and asides combined with his rousing piano workouts.

In early February, this road warrior of the keyboard brings a series of shows back to Omaha. Malone opens for Lil' Ed & The Imperials at the 18th Amendment on Thursday and at Lincoln's Zoo Bar on Friday. Sunday, February 6, catch Bob Malone opening up the Omaha Blues Society's day-long membership drive and fund-raiser at the 18th Amendment.

- B.J. Huchtemann