Greg Nagy – Fell Toward None 9.9.11

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Greg Nagy

Fell Toward None

VizzTone label group

BluesWax Rating: 8

Another Step Toward Independence

In 2008 I heard the band Root Doctor at the Pocono Blues Festival’s Friday night tent show and was duly impressed. Greg Nagy was the guitarist in that band but left after three albums to form his own group. Nagy’s first solo effort, Walk That Fine Thin Line, earned him a 2008 Blues Music Award nomination as Best New Artist.

Nagy on guitar and vocals is another of the new blue-eyed soul singers to emerge on the blues scene. On this sophomore effort Nagy sounds a bit like Boz Scaggs, especially on the title track “Fell Toward None,” which closes this album. The LP opens with Gonzalez Chandler’s “Pack It Up,” originally recorded by Freddie King. I find the album to be a band effort. Nagy has co-written most songs with either keyboardist Jim Alfredson or with drummer Kevin Depree. The band also includes bassist Jim Shaneberger and the four-piece Motor City Horns.

“Be With You” was written by Alfredson, opens with the horn section, and sets the pace for the remainder of the album. “Wishing Well” and “Can’t Take It No More” are the only songs that feature a guitar solo, as Nagy concentrates on his vocals. “I’ll know I’m Ready” is a poignant song deserving of repeated listening, and is my favorite track on the album, while “Let It Roll” features Alfredson on keyboards and gives a chance for the band members to solo.

This fine album is co-produced by Nagy and Alfredson and should further establish Nagy as a bright new voice.

Richard Ludmerer is a contributing editor to BluesWax and would enjoy seeing your comments below.

Full Disclosure: The VizzTone label group is partially owned by the parent company of this publication.