The album “ENERGY” tells the tale of a day in the life of innately frenetic, hyperurban megalopolis of New York. The cannonade at daybreak: “Wake up and do something” kicks off the day with an iPhone alarm giving way to a galvanic beat as one showers or gets ready for work. The track could just as well serve as a punchier replacement for the all-important elixir that first coffee of the day— as it was written as an antidote to the morning slumberous torpor. “I 278 Grind” follows and further fans the vibe with the crank of an Oldsmobile’s engine, sounding off the start of a drive to the city on a heavy traffic-laden highway. The sinuous harmonica (Anthony Kane) and guitar (Zach Zunis) hover above the snarled stretches of asphalt, all thickly padded with the caress of a B3 organ (Jim Alfredson). As the Oldsmobile pulls into a parking space, the slams of the door and resolute footsteps reaffirm a steely determination about to be poured into the work day. Thereafter, “Morning jive” cranks the gear to another level while the work is being done. Its joie de vivre is starkly contrasted, its exuberance undercut by the somber notes that follow as the work crowd breaks up midday for the funeral of a friend. “Remembering Eni” keeps everyone’s thoughts together, evoking memories of a prematurely departed Enisa, while the pealing of church bells and the howling wind underscore the prevailing grief. Back at work, the fleeting afternoon mood slowly picks up the pace with “Lost in thoughts” and “Day dreaming”. As the feeling of vulnerability slowly gives way to human resilience, the crowd from work tops the day off with a happy hour at a local bar. Back at home, “Unwind” abates the everyday concoction of hyper-urban tempo and the emotional residue from the day, culminating in a night cap. The title track, “Energy” is a secret remedy in the medicine cabinet, a sort of quadruple espresso infused with an energy drink. The album is an eclectic confluence of genres (blues, R&B, soul, funk, rock, jazz…) we classified as “Blues Fusion,” being unable to differentiate among the known genres. However, whichever way one classifies this compilation of original work that makes up ENERGY, a single listen will leave no one doubting that this piece of music comes from a foundation of subterranean blues whose pulse vibrates from deep beneath. If in doubt, the listener is advised to pick up or download Big Apple Blues’ previous traditional blues releases (“Live at O’Flaherty’s”or “Brooklyn Blues”—both on StoneToneRecords label) and all will be reassured!