Reviews

#3 Best Blues Album of 2022

#2 Best Blues Album of 2022

If you took the formidable blues force of the one-man band of Gerry Hundt and

his prodigious talents and combined that with a songwriter of immense talent and

seemingly endless creativity, not to mention guitar prowess like Andrew

Duncanson, with the harp of Ronnie Shellist who simply reeks of blues chops that

might give you some idea of what is in store for listeners of The Dig 3. But that is

just the nuts and bolts. What the eponymously named new album by this trio of

like-minded musicians sounds like is both familiar and fresh at the same time. It

takes timeless traditional blues and makes a new statement in our post pandemic

world of 2022. This album is a strong contender for BLUES JUNCTION Productions

Album of the Year and comes to you with my highest recommendation. - David Mac

There is much to dig about THE DIG 3, the self-titled studio debut from a

trio of long-time Chicago-area blues powers who came together amidst

2020’s COVID lockdowns. With Kilborn Alley Blues Band’s Andrew

Duncanson on vocals and guitar, Ronnie Shellist on harmonica, and multi-

instrumentalist Gerry Hundt holding down the rhythm, this album hums

with vitality, spontaneity, and spice.

Duncanson contributed the lyrics for all 14 tracks, and he’s a lively

and perceptive wordsmith, whether savoring the funny romantic metaphor

of CHICKEN KISS or sketching a scene of wintry heartbreak on the

deceptively upbeat CHRISTMAS COMING (“Putting away her winter

coat/That’s when I found a goodbye note”). His voice, strong and supple,

whacks home the vivid similes of the single-chord YOU’RE THE ONE, then

swings with grace through the churchified country vibe of ONE LEFT, ONE

RIGHT.

Shellist’s blazing amplified harp provides the perfect accent to all of

THE DIG 3’s blues flavors. He beautifully punctuates ROCK THAT BOAT’s

rockabilly chug, and spares nothing, sonically or emotionally, on the cold-

blooded unfaithful-woman drag DOUBLE CROSS. Shellist shares the

spotlight with Hundt for the good-natured instrumental harmonica duel

REPOSADO ROCK, then cedes the stage to Duncanson’s powerhouse guitar

on the heavy yet rambunctious TELL ME THE PLACE. The latter tune is one

of three tracks featuring guest bassist Rodrigo Montovani, who also

appears on the bouncy LOVE ME SOME OF YOU and cuts a particularly

joyous figure mixing it up with Hundt’s crystalline mandolin on the

downhome IN MY KITCHEN.

But for most of the album, it’s a solo Hundt anchoring the bottom,

and the music’s boundless rhythmic spirit is a clarion testament to his

versatile gifts. His shuddering six-string bass is a highlight of the tough-

strutting EVERY DROP, and the instrument works a slick disco beat under

the romantic imagery of the seductive SOUTHERN FANTASY. The pops and

snaps of Hundt’s Farmer Foot Drums rig make RUN & HIDE a toe-tapping

treat, and on the John Lee Hooker-esque DON’T SLIP, his percussive wallops

ease right into the pocket alongside his bandmates.

THE DIG 3 is a crowdfunded release. The liner notes featuring

Hundt’s warm thanks to the trio’s GoFundMe contributors for making it

happen. One listen to the music their generosity helped bring to life, and

you’ll certainly agree that, for these supporters and anyone else who

listens, this investment paid off in spades. – Matt R. Lohr

If you're drowning in a sea of blooz mediocrity, you need to check out The Dig 3. The

Chicago-based trio delivers no-nonsense blues free of affectation. If a time machine had plunked The Dig 3 down during the late 60s blues revival, they surely would have won a big audience. But thankfully, they're here and now, bringing much-needed upbeat blues to contemporary ears. - Dan Forte

stay tuned!