GrAMS AND KRIEGER

“for "No You" YES ME! ...Though it's Grams and Krieger's names that appear on the cover, the album includes appearances by plenty of familiar names that help beef up the soulful blues sound, including Ed DeLucia, Carla Brownlee, Ralph Gilmore and Eric-Jan Overbeek, aka Mr. Boogie Woogie. Tunes range from the slow-burning late night lament "Big Mouth Baby" and the shuffling blues-rock of "Chilly Side of Town," which boasts gorgeously soulful vocals, to a slightly odd instrumental waltz that sounds improvised ("Old Sparky's Waltz") and a strutting take on Rufus Thomas' "Memphis Train." These two dudes ain't in the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame for nothin'.” - Stephen Seigel

“On the cover it sure looks like something 'funny' is happening just out of sight of the camera, which would not be the least bit unusual with this duo. They have been together for umpteen years, and act almost like brothers that love each other, but will never make it easy on the other. The cover photo and the disc title reflect that practical joker air of competitive brotherly love, and it is infused in the music on this disc as well. They have fun and enjoy each other's company, and this adds that certain extra ingredient, both in the playing and delivery, to the music. They are strongly supported on this collection of original songs (with only one cover) by a rotating cast of very able musicians- a group that knows whose disc they are playing on and they are a very respectful lot. This disc is rooted in the blues, but covers a variety of styles, leaning slightly toward the country-side, in an electrified mode. You lead off with Danny Krieger's voice that has been soaked in a whiskey-and-cigarette vinaigarette to come to its proper rasp. The singing of upright and electric bassist Steve Grams is smoother, and has more of a country edge to it. The two of them more or less trade off as to who gets to be singing lead. There is that cohesiveness that comes when friends that truly admire what the other is creating play together. You particularly hear it when the voices blend into that seamless voice of two: give a listen to "Hey Paulina." It is one of the songs worth going to cdbaby for.” - Bob Gottlieb

“For "That's the Way We Work" (Vitalegacy Records) The only regular gig for the hometown blues duo of Grams and Krieger is Wednesday nights at Nonie Restaurant, but these two guys have been at the center of the Tucson music scene for so long, they seem ubiquitous after dark. Hearing them play the blues together is like putting on your favorite pair of old shoes. Everything about them just feels right. Their beats are laid back and wise to the ways of tavern life. There is musical wisdom in the phrasing, the economy of chord changes, in creating rhythms that give their all to every bar of music. This 11-track collection contains only three covers. The rest are originals, tailored to meet the values of Grams and Krieger. If you think the Old Pueblo is an ordinary kind of place, listen to these guys. They capture the modern quality of frontier life, where dreams are underfunded and chances of success are slim. So if your plans include becoming a bottom-feeder bumping along in the dry heat, Grams and Krieger will be happy to accompany those efforts with an understated style of blues that is decidedly cool. Online shoppers, go to www.vitalegacy.com” - Chuck Graham

“For "Thats' the Way We Work": Muy Caliente is the way this disc might be described in the Southwest. That translates to very hot, 5 out of 5 stars, do not let charging camels, raging sand storms or burning heat cause you to miss this one.” - Bob Gottlieb

“for "That's the Way We Work I love this cd! Thank goodness these guys make music together. Right from the start the instruments (in such fine hands) give me the blues high and the words implore us to quit complaining and love this big old clumsy life. Maybe even dance a little. I am not gonna get into a bunch of reviewspeak on each song but just want the guys to know they are appreciated and listened to and I hope they will come back to Minnesota (when it warms up) and play for us up here again!” - Mike Lange

“TUCSON WEEKLY review for the latest CD '5'...... It's hard to imagine anyone who better embodies our homegrown desert spirit then these two multi-talented, blue-collar and seriously irreverent musicians. If you count their FLUFFINGTONS project (and they do), this is their fifth release and possibly their most satisfying.  A mix of five originals, four extremely diverse covers and one heartfelt traditional "Lucky Old Sun", not only showcases their obvious strengths--Krieger's slide guitar and their blues-oriented vocals--but also their deft touch as arrangers and producers.   While there are times when Krieger's acoustic slide and Grams' upright bass leave you feeling as if you're in an intimate living room or on a back porch, there are extended moments when the sense of ensemble-playing makes it hard to believe it's just the two of them.  That is especially so on Dylan's "Watchin' the River Flow," with the introduction of electric guitar; and most especially in bringing Nancy McCallion's "Stranger Now" to life with it's mix of harmony vocals and complimentary guitars.   Occasionally they do bring in a ringer or two.  John "Juke" Logan's blues harp adds perfect accents on their reading of Sam Taylor's "That's the Kind of Woman," while Eric-Jan Overbeek (aka Mr. Boogie Woogie) on piano and Ralph Gilmore on drums show how well these guys rock in their romp through Grams' "Hey! Boogie Woogie."  Perhaps best, and most unexpected, is their superb cover of Tom Waits "Clap Hands," a rendition Waits himself might enjoy.” - Jim Lipson

“The fact that Steve Grams and Danny Krieger's most recent CD, "The Best?", has been out for almost two years, does not diminish how this collection of recycled, re-recorded tunes, remains an essential part of any contemporary and original blues collection. (Notice we left out the word 'local' as a modifier.) To many, Grams and Krieger are primarily known as an acoustic duo. If you're a purist, you'll find plenty of Krieger's trademark acoustic picking and slide guitar work to go along with Grams' acoustic double bass. "Make Up Your Mind" and "Never Been to New Orleans" are two of the songs they've re-recorded, each one showing how a strong argument can be made for keeping it simple while posing the question, why even bother to play electric or involve other people? Ditto for "50 Days" , "Chingaso" and "Blues All Day," all great songs with a similar feel and from previously released CDs no longer in print. "Push'll Come to Shove," which comes at the tail end of the album, was actually the first of the tunes to be re-recorded in 2013. The biggest surprise here is Krieger's work on the piano. Sounding so at ease and on point, his licks are surprisingly reminiscent of Billy Payne playing with Little Feat. Who knew? He adds more piano and organ on "Lay Low" and "Chilly Side of Town," two of the "new" songs with a decidedly electric feel pushed by a big rhythm section, with lots of grit, and featuring Ralph Gilmore on drums. In a town that can boast having so many good drummers, Gilmore, a frequent compadre and companion  to G&K on stage, may arguably be the best of the best. He, along with guitarist Richie Cavanaugh, are also featured in a generous helping of tunes from the legendary Fluffingtons project, which also offers a couple of Krieger's more adventurous arrangements in "Where Are You Now", and "I Waited Up for You." Other treats include ''Yep'', which may best reflect Krieger's somewhat irreverent sense of humor (occasionally displayed in his Facebook posts) as well as Grams' ''You'll Be Gone," a truly great song with the vocals so pure it transcends the genre. And then there is Arthur Migliazza's special guest appearance on ''Train Beat Boogie," tearing it up on the grand piano and then trading licks with Krieger on electric guitar. Without really knowing them, these two dudes are probably as different as night and day. Given instruments and any excuse to play however, these guys compliment each other in ways that might best be described as one wild and wacky but functional marriage. Go figure.” - Jim Lipson