Crooked Eye Tommy Play the Blues for You
Butterflies and Snakes
Crooked Eye Tommy
Independent Release, 2016
From the West coast, about as far North as one can go and still be part of Southern California, comes Crooked Eye 
Tommy, an earthy, salt kissed blues band. The musicians took their dear sweet time getting onstage, but seem to be making up for lost time now. Attacking the songs with a self possesed nerve, the sound sure of themselves at every turn.
As an art form, the blues can be indulgent and dramatic. Practioners of white boy blues need to tread carefully to avoid over selling the true nature of their woes. As far as the true nature of their woes go,but Crooked Eye Tommy avoids these missteps by speaking to universal miseries.
“Somebody Got to Pay” is a Chicago style blues that steps lively with a deep groove and an appetite for what due. “Come on In” addresses the real struggle of inviting someone new into your life. Using the analogy of long neglected home, and it works
“Over and Over” is a smoldering slow burn of number positively owned by saxophonist Bill Billhou. He takes his time,constructing his solo in halting, pensive starts and stops, before a more fluid conclusion. The lead guitar work that takes the song out is tastefully understated and glows with intensity.
“I Stole the Blues” is a confession and music lesson in one. CET acknowledge their many beloved blues influences. “Crooked Eye Tommy,” presumably the bands theme song, is greasy, laconic and features some wily dobro slide work. By way of explaining themselves, the band reveal a shady approach to life and living.
