Dmitri
Resnik
It Ain't Rocket Science
Fans of New Orleans-style swing could do a lot worse than to pick
up Dmitri Resnik's debut, It Ain't Rocket Science (Rusty
Nail). Resnik is a New Orleans blues guitarist whose taut, succinct
playing owes as much to Texas gunslingers like Jimmie Vaugh as
it does to Crescent City legends Snooks Eaglin or Guitar Slim.
On
this mostly instrumental collection, Resnik is backed by a group
of local players, featuring a tight rhythm section and excellent
horn section. Ex-Rumour keyboardist Bob Andrews is also along
for the ride, and he sounds as if he's been listening to a lot
of Jimmy Smith down on the Bayou. Resnik and company shine on
the Louis Jordan-style jump blues of "Clementine's Tempo"
and "Fast Track," and the percolating "Duffossast
St. Theme," featuring an almost-but-not-quite second-line
rhythm. Though the band displays a refreshingly light touch throughout
the proceedings, "Answering Machine Shuffle" proves
they're not afraid to get their hands dirty with some gutbucket
New Orleans slop. Resnik's not a strong vocalist, which is evident
on the rare occasions (like the Fabulous Thunderbirds-style rocker
"Runnin' Hot" or "Livin' on $45 a Week') where
he steps up to the mike. But vocals aren't really the point to
this music, and Resnik's guitar playing and sheer enthusiasm more
than makes up for any vocal limitations. This is a party-groove
record, and on that count these guys deliver the goods.
Patrick
Fitzgerald
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