Blues Heaven II
Artist: Glenn Kaiser
Label: Grrr Records
Length: 16 tracks/73:50
 
The latest from Glenn Kaiser is a compilation of blues related tracks from eleven of his recordings from 1992 through 2006. The response to the first Blues Heaven collection was so positive that Glenn decided to provide his fans with a second disc that features nine of his original songs plus several traditional tunes and a couple written by classic Blues artists  Robert Johnson and Reverend Gary Davis. Kaiser's musical career is an extension of the outreach work he does in Chicago's Uptown area with JPUSA, the organization that sponsors the Cornerstone Festival. He was a member of the REZ Band, a highly acclaimed Christian rock group.
 
The opening cut, "I've Been Redeemed," features Kaiser's passionate vocal accompanied by his excellent slide guitar work. It is followed by a rocking "Got A Hold on You" featuring Kaiser blowing hard on the harmonica. The next track slows the pace but ratchets up the intensity on "Useless Man." Kaiser's voice comes from a deep, dark place - punctuated with screams for release and redemption framed by guitar riffs that cut to the quick. On the traditional hymm "Do Lord", Kaiser lays down thick slabs of sizzling slide guitar that threaten to overwhelm his vocal. Even better is his super-charged version of Blind Willie Johnson's classic "Noboody's Fault But Mine." 
 
The pace slows on a track cut live,  "Where Would I Be," which is similar to B.B. King's hit "The Thrill is Gone," Kaiser proves to be equally adept on this slow blues as he is on the rockers. Another highlight comes from the 2005 release Glenn Kaiser Band Live. The group's take on Kaiser's original, "If I Leave This World Tomorrow" is so heavy that it sounds like a long-lost Led Zeppelin track and serves witness to Glenn's prowess as a guitar player. Also included from the same live album is a rousing version of the blues standard "Crossroads". There are hundreds of versions of this song available but Kaiser is a strong enough performer to lay down an inspired rendition that holds up through repeated listens. 
 
This was my first exposure to Glenn's music. I am amazed that a musician of his caliber has escaped my attention. This collection is testament that Kaiser can rock as hard as any band around. While each song explores some aspect on his faith in God, the entire disc can be enjoyed strictly on it's musical merits. Fans of blues/rock or even hard rock will find plenty to enjoy. He certainly is a savior for those who want a harder edge to music that bears witness. One thing for sure, I will be checking out other releases by Mr. Kaiser. This one is highly reccommended !!
 
Mark Thompson