Gatos Bizcos - I Can`t Believe My Eyes

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2012
Time:43:30 
Size:102,9 MB 
Label:Gaztelupeko Hotsak 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Let`s Have Some Fun - 3:21     
 2. Little Walter Song - 3:14
 3. I Can`t Believe My Eyes - 3:59    
 4. Backwards Blues - 4:00
 5. Nobody Knows You When You`re Down & Out - 5:45     
 6. Blues for P - 3:41
 7. We Like the Boogie - 3:56
 8. Orange Coloured Sky - 2:48
 9. That`s When I Know - 4:45     
10. Topo Rojo - 2:34
11. Goin` Home - 5:26

Blues is not a genre that typically boasts a massive following—especially in Spain. Despite this, the style is home to some truly high-caliber, prestigious musicians—such as Tonky de la Peña, Javier Vargas, Ñaco Goñi, and the unclassifiable Malcom Scarpa—some of whom even enjoy international recognition. Beyond these well-known names, there are also many performers who, while perhaps less famous, have proven their mettle in playing this music. Such is the case with Quique Gómez, Pablo Sanpa, Héctor Rojo, and Miguel Ángel Benito. Now performing as "Gatos Bizcos," they are releasing their debut album after having cut their teeth on all sorts of stages and with various acts (Red House, Josele Santiago, Lou Marini, etc.); notably, they have served as the backing band for bluesman Eddie C. Campbell. Released by Gaztelupeko Hotsak—a Basque label dedicated to promoting African-American music—*I Can’t Believe My Eyes* was produced by Santi Martín. The production captures an immediacy and intimacy that makes it easy for the listener to picture themselves in a dimly lit club, watching the band play live. While this is undeniably a blues album—that is the driving style—the songs draw from a wide and varied range of influences. In fact, the album is the antithesis of a mere attempt to carbon-copy the genre's standard forms and rhythms; the group brings its own distinctive stamp to the music, approaching the genre with dynamism and agility.
The album opens with the sound of a harmonica that evokes a classic feel—specifically reminiscent of Carey Bell. The track "Let’s Have Some Fun" signals the band's melodic leanings—often drawing on jazz or swing—which continue in another tribute: "Little Walter Song," a track that explicitly honors one of the most renowned harmonica players. "I Can’t Believe My Eyes," built on a blues foundation, is an extraordinary stylistic blend echoing the best of Ray Charles, delivering an infectious, upbeat rhythm. "Backward Blues" continues this upbeat, eclectic mix; while perhaps surprising, it leads the band into territory once traversed by groups like the Lovin’ Spoonful. At the opposite end of the spectrum—with a vintage feel, yet still bursting with energy—is "Orange Colour Sky," reminiscent of the songs Bessie Smith performed at the intersection of blues and jazz. One of the album's most profound moments—alongside the brilliant "Goin’ Home," which blends country, gospel, and B.B. King influences—arrives with their take on the legendary "Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out." They approach it with a blues-soul vibe and a beautiful organ sound—reminiscent of Derek and the Dominos, yet more minimalist in execution. At the other extreme lies "We Like the Boogie," which lives up to its name as the guitars kick into high gear. A similar rhythm—albeit less wild—drives the original version of Eddie C. Campbell’s "That’s When I Know," though here the group noticeably slows the tempo. Gatos Bizcos have created an album where the blues—while serving as the primary ingredient and the foundation of the compositions—is presented in a way that is original, polished, and appealing to any type of audience: those who enjoy infectious melodies as well as, naturally, those who appreciate the sounds of Black music.

I Can`t Believe My Eyes

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