REVIEWS

"This band plays with lots of energy and enthusiasm. Dale has crafted a solid batch of original tunes, which is a welcomed break from the usual covers of standard blues songs. Overall, this is a strong initial effort from a new band – and a welcomed return by Jeff Dale."
Illinois Blues Blues Blast April 29, 2009

"Blues From The South Side Of My Soul is a great album, which gives us a crystal clear picture of excellent guitarist Jeff Dale. This album Jeff presents his vision with the presentation of 11 blues songs, which you must have. This music is ornamented dynamic and steady rhythm, sensitive guitar and expressive vocals. All in all, the album Blues From The South Side Of My Soul radiates the power of the blues."
Soundguardian.Com May 27 2009

"Rowdy, loud, naughty-naughty-down-and-bawdy South Side Chicago style blues — like those you’ll hear from guitarist Jeff Dale and the South Woodlawners Saturday night at Arcadia Blues Club — top my hit list. Dale was born and raised on the Windy City’s South Side, an incredible incubator for hurts-so-good sounds. He started playing at 13, taught by a couple of itinerant blues players, and soon began songwriting. He eventually relocated to Southern California, where he hooked up with the Blue Wave Band, releasing two albums of his original songs. Before taking a break from the music scene for a few years, Dale worked with luminaries like Etta James, Pee Wee Crayton, Clifton Chenier and many others. He’s resurfaced more ferociously than ever with the South Woodlawners — the band’s bad-boy image coming through on songs like “Grown Ass Man,” “My Way or the Highway” and “I’d Hit It” — and a new album, “Blues from the South Side of my Soul.”
Pasadena Weekly May 28 2009

This is the Chicago native’s first album for twenty years, after disappearing from the scene back in the late-80s. This is good old Chicago Blues, as you’d expect, played with guts and feeling. The album is an enjoyable romp; the eleven tracks are all originals and feature harp, piano, saxophone and trumpet, as well as Dale’s guitar. The title track is a well-written rocking Blues, whilst the trumpet driven ‘Alabama Lovin’’ is an uptempo, funky cut, with a nice snatch of electric guitar. ‘Nothin’ But The Blues’ is a good slow number, with the narrator wishing his woman nothing but trouble, and featuring another fine solo. ‘Grown Ass Man’ is a warning to the ladies not to mess with the band, as these are “real men” and won’t be acting like children in the bedroom.
Blues Matters June/July 2009

Now after twenty years, Jeff is again in the picture with his new band 'The South Woodlawners. His way of playing the blues is far from the “West Coast Blues," it is more intense as he has become wilder and more fun. His reincarnation in this new band brings us 11 tracks and as the title suggests, this is the blues right out of his heart.
Rootsville CD Review June 2009

It's been twenty years since Jeff Dale's had anything to do with the music scene. However, all that matters now is he's back.....man is he back! Similar to where most of the blues in his home city of Chicago come from, Jeff's blues also come from the south side.....the south side of his soul. Hence, the disc, "Blues From The South Side of My Soul", featuring eleven Jeff Dale originals of which most are serious Chicago style blues with some not so serious lyrics. Quite simply, the title track, "Blues From The South Side of My Soul", is an ass kicker. Jeff Dales vocals are rough, tough and gruff and his guitar leads are ferocious. Geoff's amazing yet eerie sounding harp leads sound like they're leading you down some dark alley where you'll get even more of an ass kickin' - from the rhythm section. If you're lookin' for the hottest southern lovin' you need to get some "Alabama Lovin'". That's where Jeff knows a hottie "who's body is a temple for five days a week, but on the weekend it becomes a fun house ride". Every father's nightmare! This whole track, highlighted by the fierce horn section and sharp background vocals, is like a fun house ride. If "You Don't Know Nothin' About Chicago", maybe you need to give this track a listen. That's when you'll find out what really makes this famous city tick, and on “I’d Hit It” Jeff gets nasty with his guitar and vocals on this, another down and dirty smoker. Great Jimmy Reed type harp by Geoff also highlight this one. You can, and I recommend you do, check out the band by going to www.jeffdaleblues.com While you're there, you'll be able to purchase the disc, tell him the Blewzzman sends his regards!
Blewzzman Blues CD Reviews July 2009
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