Chasing the Sun

by Indigenous

Overview

The biggest blues rock outfit in South Dakota, the Native American family band Indigenous fell on hard times after blasting their way to international acclaim in 2003. After three uncertain years, only guitarist/vocalist/principal songwriter Mato Nanji remains, with his relatives fallen by the wayside. No matter. Mato was the main attraction, with his dazzlingly overdriven blues picking in a Stevie Ray Vaughn mode. Chasing the Sun has Mato's mitts all over it, and fans of powerful, by-the-books blues will thank him for doing what it takes to keep the music coming. The main difference from the band's debut, personnel aside, is in the vocal department, with Mato's gruff delivery working in soulful new directions. B-3 organ adds to the swampy vibe of tracks like "I'll Be Waiting," but make no mistake: Chasing the Sun is a blast of dry Texas guitar rock that would do ZZ Top proud. Blues fans looking for a new guitar hero have found one in this roadhouse warrior.

Product Details

Release Date:	06/13/2006
Label:	Vanguard Records
UPC:	0015707980029
catalogNumber:	79800

Tracks

1. Runaway
2. I'll Be Waiting
3. Number Nine Train
4. Come on Home
5. Fool Me Again
6. Feel Alright Now
7. The Way You Shake
8. Out of Nowhere
9. Leaving
10. Born in Time

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Indigenous   Primary Artist
Michael Bland   Drums
Bruce McCabe   Piano,Hammond Organ,Electric Piano
Mato Nanji   Guitar,Hammond Organ,Vocals,Background Vocals

Technical Credits

Bob Dylan   Composer
Steve Fishell   Producer
Georgette Cartwright   Creative Services Director
Gary Kurfirst   Management
Robin Geary   Imaging
Mato Nanji   Composer
Chris Hardin   Management
Amber Lehman   Imaging

Editorial Reviews

Perhaps it was inevitable given the dominating presence of guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Mato Nanji, that Indigenous would someday be a vehicle in all but name for the frontman. That day has arrived with the fifth album under the Indigenous moniker, but first to replace Nanji's brother (percussion) and sister (drums) with studio musicians. Even though, Pte, his bassist brother, is still listed in the credits, his contributions are minimal. Additionally only Nanji's photos adorn the booklet, which gives the impression that this is a solo album, and for all intents, it is just that. Regardless, it's a rugged, tough, at times roaring blues-rock disc that finds a strong groove and rides it like a jockey on a thoroughbred. Nanji's guitar and voice are front and center throughout, and the stripped down production by Steve Fishell (the Mavericks, Albert Lee, Willie Nelson) keeps the sound meaty and lean. Eight out of the ten tracks are written or co-written by Nanji with a driving version of Bobby Robinson/Tarheel Slim's "Number Nine Train" and a soulful take on Bob Dylan's "Born in Time" the only covers. Nanji's dusky baritone vocals, a combination of Hootie & the Blowfish's Darius Rucker and Jonny Lang, sink into his quicksilver guitar lines like a father into his favorite overstuffed chair. Much has been made of the guitarist's musical resemblance to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, and this album does nothing to dispel those voices. But, like Robin Trower who seems to be a major influence on the track "Leaving," Nanji takes the approach and twists it into something, if not entirely unique, at least distinctive. There's a frisky funk and R&B bottom to tracks such as "The Way You Walk" and the Robert Cray-ish "Fool Me Again" that grounds the album and provides a foundation for the riff-heavy tracks. Only the lone instrumental "Out of Nowhere" screams Stevie Ray so loudly, even Vaughan fans might be fooled into thinking it's a lost track from the Texas guitar icon. There are certainly similarities to other Indigenous albums on Chasing the Sun, but it also marks a new beginning for guitarist Nanji who, at least on the basis of this sturdy, unpretentious release, can leave the Indigenous label behind and go solo.

All Music Guide - Hal Horowitz

The guy is a legitimate talent.... Nanji has arrived with a mean axe in hand and a genuine knack for rugged electric blues.

Billboard - Philip Van Vleck

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