By Mike O’Cull
Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method are one of the most popular blues bands in the Pacific Northwest and have a brand new record, As Live As It Gets, that was released July 26th, 2019. A true three-piece power trio with a classic wide-open sound, the group lets it all hang out on this new set, which was recorded live over the course of several shows. Based in Washington, O’Keary has won six Washington Blues Society Awards for Best Female Vocalist and Best Songwriter, proof of her dominating presence in her region.
O’Keary and her drummer/husband Tommy Cook, himself a two-time Washington Blues Society award winner, spent four years as the rhythm section for the legendary Too Slim and the Taildraggers, a gig that gives the pair a substantial amount of blues credibility. Together with well-known West Coast guitarist David Miller, the three musicians make up a mighty trio known for big grooves, great songs, and a hot live show. As Live As It Gets treats listeners to as much of the Polly O’Keary experience as is possible without actually attending a gig and is such an energetic set that it just might motivate some folks to get out and catch this act in person.
“Red Light” opens the record with a chugging blues/rock beat and communicates the frustration of being stuck in stop-and-go traffic on the way to someone important. It immediately establishes the solidness of O’Keary and Cook as a section and the pocket they put down is tight and focused. Guitarist Miller is left to go where he wishes on top of this foundation and displays tone and phrasing skills crucial to the trio format. He rips but never overplays and has his own sensibility that fits this band well.
“A Man Who Can Stand” is an independent woman’s statement on finding the ideal mate and gives Polly a chance to show off that big voice she has. She’s a strong belter with outstanding projection and a rich vocal tone that allows her to confidently cut through the mix without ever getting overwhelmed. The vocal-and-rimshot beginning to “In My Father’s House” puts her voice even further out front and shows that Polly can go mic-to-mic with any singer in the business. She never falters, cracks, or gets pitchy and always sings to her considerable strengths.
David Miller takes control of the lead vocal position on Ronnie Earl and Steven Gomes’ “It’s My Soul,” a lively and dynamic shuffle that lets Miller stretch out a bit and delve into his trick bag. O’Keary drives the band forward with her walking bass chops and will make you shake and shimmy like it’s midnight on Saturday and the joint is packed. “Gather ‘round Me Angels” is a cool mid-speed changeup with lyrics about battling the devil of addiction and needing divine help to do it. O’Keary has faced her own demons in this life and she sings these particular blues from a place of personal authenticity.
“Old Love” is a long, emotional slow-burn song that showcases the highly dynamic nature of this band, which is one of the best attributes a trio can have. With only three instruments, how you play is at least as important as what you play and this crew uses that knowledge to go from barely-heard whispers to full-bore primal screams and back again smoothly and naturally throughout these tracks. It shows a cohesion that many bands never attain.
The record ends with the Howlin’ Wolf-ish “Who Needs The Blues” and makes sure the band goes out with the crowd up and moving. It’s a fun cut with a long outro vamp to keep the dancers happy right until the finish line. Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method play their blues music with authority and fire and As Live As It Gets is all the proof most fans will need to know that they mean business.
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Great guitar sounds, the guitars are almost talking to us. Perfect background drums. A slight twist of Janis Joplin in her voice I’d have to say. Great song!