THE KEVIN CRANDALL BAND

"Uncorked"

Bordertown Records

As any true music lover knows, every city or town has its share of jewels and - no matter where you've hung your hat - you've no doubt run into a few local treasures.

The Kevin Crandall Band based out of Southeastern New England is one such example. Not only do the members hail from such notable acts as Roomful of Blues (bassist Ed Parnigoni and keyboardist Ed Hanks), The Rhythm Kings (drummer Dave Lang) and The Sheiks (guitarist Keith Sorensen), leader Kevin Crandall lays down a powerful mix of first-rate harmonica work and vocals.

In all, the five-piece band is a powerhouse of traditional blues and swing tunes. But beware - after popping in the band's new CD, "Uncensored," you may just find yourself whisked away to a mental version of your favorite live blues club.

On a personal level, I found it hard to resist the group's sensuous renditions of such classics as Little Milton's "Ain't No Big Deal" and the R. Toombs/H. Glover "Fishtale Blues" collaboration. But that isn't all. The nine-track recording also includes works by Charlie Musslewhite ("When It Rains It Pours"), Little Walter Jacobs ("Off the Wall") and Junior Watson ("The Hucklebuck"), just to name a few.

Technically speaking (beyond the musicianship itself, that is), the recording itself is first-rate. You'd never guess this was a "local" band. Each tune is consistent with the others, without any of those telltale shaky transitions that so often accompany a locally produced CD.

I'm not certain what the boys are charging for this collection, but I can testify to this: The Kevin Crandall Band is no "jewel in the rough." Instead, it is undoubtedly one of New England's best kept secrets and, whatever the price for "Uncensored," it is most likely well worth it from a listener's standpoint.

- Karen Karsten

****1/2