Blues Music Review: Chris Canas - She's Breaking Me - Self Released 2010

Chris Canas dubbed himself "Soldier For the Blues" some time ago. It's present on his new release, She's Breaking Me, as Canas enlists the help of his militia, The Chris Canas Blues Revolution, for a trip through 11 original songs all written or co-written by Canas himself. I first heard Chris Canas on a cool track called "Rusty Hooptie" when I was in college. I downloaded a kind of sampler, and Canas' track was one of my favorites on the disc. So, when the new album came across my desk recently, those fond memories came back to me in a hurry. Canas formed the "C2BR" (the abbreviated moniker for the Blues Revolution) in 2003. Since then, they've been lighting up stages around their home base of Detroit and beyond with an infectious blend of Blues, Rock, Jazz, Soul, and more.

Chris Canas began his relationship with playing music as a cornet player in the middle school marching band. Like so many other young men, once he discovered the guitar, he soon had a new love. What I, personally, appreciate about Canas, still in his 20's, is committed to bringing the music to young people in an effort to get them excited about the music form; but he is also passionate about playing music that long-time fans can appreciate.

She's Breaking Me clocks in just over 48 minutes, and as I stated before, all 11 songs on the CD are original compositions. The disc starts off with "Crank Dat Blues and Drive," almost a mission statement for the rest of the album, and certainly a message to fans about what needs to be coming out of those speakers when you're ready to have a good time! Canas' guitar strums over a great effort on organ by Shane Rasmussen. The tune is a cool little jam excellently titled, as it's perfect for the road. "If You Ever Want To Leave" is the follower, and a track that finds Chris Canas pouring on the soul in his vocals. Rasmussen switches to keys, but keeps up the skill level, for sure, playing alongside the rhythm section of Frank Kenny on drums and Kevin Shoepke on bass.

"Trouble In Paradise" is a very written number about when a man goes looking for something wrong in his relationship (you know how that ends up.) That's followed by the Soul ballad, "Who the Hell Are You," a track that finds Chris Canas giving one of his strongest vocal performances on the record. There's also a heart-wrenching organ solo that just pours over the track; a simply beautiful tune. "Who the Hell Are You" is the first of three songs on She's Breaking Me co-written by Canas and vocalist Angie C.

The title track has a bit of a Rock edge to it, but is a strong Blueser for sure. The track sees Canas lay down some of his finest work on the frets and putting an attitude in his vocals that almost makes him sound like a different vocalist. If "Crank Dat Blues and Drive" is Chris Canas' mission statement, then "I'm Playing the Blues" is his foundation. It may not be all that much different than most of your songs discussing the efforts to keep the music alive, but Canas belts the lyrics with conviction in an effort to make sure you understand he's genuine.

"We're Gonna Work It Out" has an R&B flavor. It also features Canas recording both guitar and bass tracks for the tune. "She's the Only One For Me" is a great confessin' the love tune where Chris Canas really gets down. The number starts off as a slower number, but really heats up as it builds to the finish, with Canas lighting up the guitar again for some more great playing. Canas gets smooth at times thoughout She's Breaking Me, but I feel like he really shines in these moments where he becomes a straight ahead shouter. "I'll Always Love You" is similar in that regard. It starts off slow in that it didn't really grab me from the jump, but as the song builds and plays its way out, I really got into it.

Angie C. takes lead vocal duties on "Fine As Wine," with Chris Canas shifting to backing vocals. The track is the third that Chris and Angie C. co-wrote, with the only song of the three not mentioned as a co-writing credit is "I'm Playing the Blues." She's Breaking Me finishes very strong with "Don't Let the Door Hit Ya," a fantastic tune filled with great, catchy lyrics, sass, and some killer singing and playing on Chris Canas' part. The band is tight here, and they definitely saved the best for last on this record.

She's Breaking Me is a solid Blues album that draws on influences from outside genres. The album didn't necessarily set my world on fire, but it did have some bright, shining moments that made me smile, tap toes, and dance in my chair. That certainly isn't meant as a diss on Chris Canas or the Blues Revolution, either, because it means to me that Chris Canas and company's best is yet to come...and that is a very exciting prospect.

(Note: Just for fun, in addition to the widget that allows you to listen to clips from this CD, I've also attached a second widget with "Rusty Hooptie" for you to hear and purchase, if you'd like. - J.F.T.)

Standout Tracks: "Who the Hell Are You," "She's Breaking Me," "She's the Only One For Me," and "Don't Let the Door Hit Ya"

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