With their debut album, the Dutch/Belgian band 'the Big Four' give proof that quality doesn't always need to come from abroad. These guys also play as the Harmony Two Tones, but that's another history. The big Four stands for new ideas and new musical directions. The combined result of these innovations is compiled on 'The Congregation Sessions'. The album has fourteen numbers on it, and they're all little jewels. If you'd expect to hear only pure blues, you'll be wrong. These musicians are just too multifunctional. We can hear jazzy hardbop licks in the instrumental 'A Big Chunk'. In 'The Wobble', a perfect mix of boogie woogie and rock 'n roll, and 'The Preacher' takes us on a trip to New Orleans. Of course, there's also blues, like the very relaxed 'Early In The Morning'. Each musician is an indispensable link in this professional sounding band. J.B. Biesmans with his collection of saxophones (tenor, baritone, soprano), Mo Gomez who knows all the little secrets of his guitars, Bird Stevens with his ever tight bass playing, Dr. Basie J. shines on vocals, piano and Hammond, and last but not least Franky Gomez, who takes care of the rhythm with his drum sticks. Their own songs really do stand out, but they also succeed in bringing new life to some older songs. Their version of Henri Mancini's 'The Pink Panther Theme' is just brilliant! In my opinion, 'The Congregation Sessions' is an album that can bring the band under international attention.

Translation by: Rumble