Blues CD Reviews 111
Rosedale Junction
The Rail Yard Sessions
Center Block Records
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © May 2026
The Rail Yard Sessions is the fifth release from Boston based Rosedale Junction, and I'm proud to say that I have had the pleasure of working with four of them.
Unlike the band's previous releases, this one is totally acoustic. As Toby Soriero, the band's founder claims: "Because the blues grew out of acoustic instrumentation, I wanted to adhere to that format and create an album using only those tools. I believe it makes a greater impact and is more more musically pleasing to tell a story through a simple acoustic performance". Additionally, his take on the album's eight original songs is "I wanted to write material to fit my vocal style, aptly described as talking blues". My take is The Rail Yard Sessions is indeed a very unique and quite interesting album.
On the project, Toby - on lead and background vocals, guitar, resonator, bass, percussion, drums, mandolin, melodica, washboard, vibra-slap and banjo - is joined by: Devon Cox, Andrew Dolan and Leeloo on vocals; Trent Williamson on harmonica; Jim Riley and Jonathan Ulman on drums; Vito Salvatore Gutilla on violin; and Phil Madeira on accordion and piano.
The album opens with a powerfully spiritual duet titled "God Took That Water". Lyrically, with lines like: "I say when God comes a callin', it sure be my time to go"; "I know when it's time, I'll be standing in a long, long line"; "Lord won't you save me, save me and take me home", and "Don't shed a tear, got nothin' to fear"; the song conveys the message that come judgement day, you should not only be prepared but acceptive as well. With Toby providing the perfect musical accompaniment with slick pickin' on the Resonator and a laid back rhythm and percussion vibe behind him, Andrew's heartfelt and soulful vocal performance has me believing he is.
"Great Grandaddy Blues (Fumo Noir)" is one of the songs Toby was talking about when he referred to 'talking blues'. The song tells the story of Toby's not so wonderful snake oil selling great granddaddy and it covers the period from his immigration here in 1900 to the time he was murdered by his former friend Akilla (pun may or may not have been intended). It's another excellent musical duet with Toby, in addition to his gritty vocals, is masterful on about half a dozen instruments and Trent Williamson adding the perfect eerie harmonica leads.
Him: "I don't like the way you look, the way you dance and clean or cook."
Her: "Momma said you an old lazy bum, you so fat you must weigh a ton."
Him: "I'll drive ya to the super mart, I'll even help you push the cart.
But when it's time to pay the bill, don't look to me you old ugly shill."
Her: "I do like I told but the day gonna come, send you straight to hell with
this here gun. Gonna dig me a hole at least six foot deep, toss your fat
ass in lay you down to sleep."
With those just being a few of the warm and fuzzy exchanges between them, these two indeed have a terrible case of the "Shackin' Up Blues". While putting on an impressive vocal duo with Leeloo, this one once again features Toby displaying his multi instrumental skills and Trent with more outstanding harmonica blowing. On a side note, this one led me to google Leeloo and now I gotta say "Thanks for the intro, Toby".
This one is titled "My Old Man Is Crazy" and from the lyrics, his father obviously inherited some of his 'great granddaddy's' characteristics and bad habits.....like going to jail. The lyrics on this one are hilarious - especially with the very interesting way Toby sings...err, make that talks them. Musically, Toby on bass and Jim Riley on drums are laying down a cool rhythm groove; and Trent is back at it with his usually outstanding harmonica leads.
Having always been led to believe that God would provide salvation or money would provide prosperity, finding out that neither of those is happening for him has this poor soul learning that if it wasn't for bad luck, he'd have no luck at all. The song is called "God Or Money", and it's opening lines of...
"If you're lookin' for salvation, you're gonna have to, have to choose;
If you're lookin' for salvation, well you're gonna have to, have to choose;
God or money, either way you're gonna lose"... set the tone for this melancholic track. Because it is over six minutes long and it is real deal slow blues done perfectly, this is hands down my favorite track of the lot. Vocally, Devon Cox, with a very emotional presentation is clearly making you feel his pain; the rhythm of Toby on bass, Jonathan Ulman on drums, and Phil Madeira is right where the rhythm of these kind of songs must be to make them work; and Toby and Trent are both getting in their share of serious blues licks on the guitar and Harmonica, respectively. Real good stuff right here!
Sometimes something you read on a one-sheet or an album's jacket that pretty much needs to be said here the way it was there. That said, I'm going to let Toby tell you 'bout this one: 'Instrumentals are rare these days. "Tennessee Trails" is a country blues acoustic instrumental inspired by my passion for hiking, all things Nashville and love of the Allman Brothers' "Little Martha"'. I'll just add that it's a beautifully performed song that's highlighted by an amazing violin performance by Vito Salvatore Gutilla.
Other tracks on another very well done release by Rosedale Junction include: "My Baby Blues" and "New Woman Blues". To find out more about Rosedale Junction just go to the bands website - www.rosedalejunction.com - and if you haven't yet received your copy of
The Rail Yard Sessions for airplay, just email Toby Soriero at rosedalejunction@gmail.com. Additionally, the release can be found at all major online music platforms. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you talk to, please tell them the Blewzzman sent you.
