Eddie Turner & the TrOUbLe TwINs

50 BADASS BLUES SOLOS YOU MUST HEAR ! A master at creating spooky atmospherics - Turner is a funky and hard rocking psychedelic bluesman in the Hendrix tradition

Barry Cleveland
Guitar Player Magazine
2014 - Guitar Player Magazine

The title track's erie soundscape makes
the mostof Turner's neo=psychedelic
guitar lines; the stab out of the gloom
flanked by military drums,exotic background
singers and biblical passages.his
unexpectedlyfresh delivery speaks
highly of his confidence . in truth, he's
full of surprises - from his fresh reinvention
of johnny "guitar" watsons" gangster of love"
to his satriani-esque " it's me"
the timing is right for Eddie Turner to make
his stand.

eric thom
june 2005
- eric thom

this is a stunning album and the dawn of a
new musical force and presence.
the secret of eddie turner has been
revealed. he could crossover as easily
and as quickly as Robert Randolf.

tim holek
may 2005 - tim holek

Eddie Turner CD Review
Written by Don Crow
Saturday, 07 April 2007

EDDIE TURNER
THE TURNER DIARIES

NORTHERN BLUES CD NBM 0036

DANGEROUS--SO MANY ROADS--COST OF FREEDOM--I'M A MAN, I'M A MAN--SAVE MY LIFE--CONFESSIONS--NEW DAY--SHAKE 4 ME--POMADE--JODY--THE TURNER DIARIES--I'M TORE DOWN

Eddie Turner's first CD, "Rise," also on Northern Blues, brought him a Blues Award nomination for Best New Artist of 2005. With his latest, "The Turner Diaries," Eddie appears on the threshold of blues stardom.

He has the chops, killer vocals, and great writing ability. And, many have paid him the ultimate compliment by comparing him to Jimi Hendrix. We'd like to say that these comparisons are indeed well-deserved, but this CD is strong enough to stand on its own merits.

Eddie got his start with Mother Earth before moving to Colorado and joining up with Otis Taylor and bassist Kenny Pasarelli, and can be heard on some of Otis' prior CD's. It is during this time that his creative juices began to flow, leading to his own solo releases.

Born in Cuba and raised in Chicago, he fused the polyrhythms of his native land with the workingman's blues he picked up in Chicago. Adding to that was Otis Taylor's penchant to allow his musicians to play what they felt, which gave Eddie the chance to experiment with free-form guitar lines, while remaining true to blues form.

Check out the leadoff "Dangerous," full of swagger and braggadocio and fueled by some downright funky guitar. A fine duet presentation of Freddie King's "I'm Tore Down" features some cool dobro work, giving a fresh "kick" to this chestnut. This dobro shows up again in "I'm A Man,I'm A Man," a brooding tale of spirits, mojos, and "two trains running."

Hands down, tho, our favorite was the topical "Cost Of Freedom. Ok, this one will bring to mind Hendrix, what with its red-hot guitar, but the lyrics are strong here as well, with its call to politicians to determine "just how much we are willing to pay."

The Northern Blues label is known for bringing cutting-edge artists to the fore, who may not adhere to playing straight-ahead blues. If you are looking for "three chords and a cloud of dust," then Eddie Turner may not be your cup of tea. But, if you want something with a little "edge" from a killer guitarist and performer, take a chance on one of the bright young stars in the blues constellation.

Also, do yourself a favor and go to www.eddiedevilboy.com. There, you can check out full versions of some of Eddie's live performances, available as free downloads. By all means...ENJOY!!

Until next time....Sheryl and Don Crow.

From Music City Blues



- music city blues

Eddie Turner CD Review
Written by Don Crow
Saturday, 07 April 2007

EDDIE TURNER
THE TURNER DIARIES

NORTHERN BLUES CD NBM 0036

DANGEROUS--SO MANY ROADS--COST OF FREEDOM--I'M A MAN, I'M A MAN--SAVE MY LIFE--CONFESSIONS--NEW DAY--SHAKE 4 ME--POMADE--JODY--THE TURNER DIARIES--I'M TORE DOWN

Eddie Turner's first CD, "Rise," also on Northern Blues, brought him a Blues Award nomination for Best New Artist of 2005. With his latest, "The Turner Diaries," Eddie appears on the threshold of blues stardom.

He has the chops, killer vocals, and great writing ability. And, many have paid him the ultimate compliment by comparing him to Jimi Hendrix. We'd like to say that these comparisons are indeed well-deserved, but this CD is strong enough to stand on its own merits.

Eddie got his start with Mother Earth before moving to Colorado and joining up with Otis Taylor and bassist Kenny Pasarelli, and can be heard on some of Otis' prior CD's. It is during this time that his creative juices began to flow, leading to his own solo releases.

Born in Cuba and raised in Chicago, he fused the polyrhythms of his native land with the workingman's blues he picked up in Chicago. Adding to that was Otis Taylor's penchant to allow his musicians to play what they felt, which gave Eddie the chance to experiment with free-form guitar lines, while remaining true to blues form.

Check out the leadoff "Dangerous," full of swagger and braggadocio and fueled by some downright funky guitar. A fine duet presentation of Freddie King's "I'm Tore Down" features some cool dobro work, giving a fresh "kick" to this chestnut. This dobro shows up again in "I'm A Man,I'm A Man," a brooding tale of spirits, mojos, and "two trains running."

Hands down, tho, our favorite was the topical "Cost Of Freedom. Ok, this one will bring to mind Hendrix, what with its red-hot guitar, but the lyrics are strong here as well, with its call to politicians to determine "just how much we are willing to pay."

The Northern Blues label is known for bringing cutting-edge artists to the fore, who may not adhere to playing straight-ahead blues. If you are looking for "three chords and a cloud of dust," then Eddie Turner may not be your cup of tea. But, if you want something with a little "edge" from a killer guitarist and performer, take a chance on one of the bright young stars in the blues constellation.

Also, do yourself a favor and go to www.eddiedevilboy.com. There, you can check out full versions of some of Eddie's live performances, available as free downloads. By all means...ENJOY!!

Until next time....Sheryl and Don Crow.

From Music City Blues



- music city blues

Best Blues Disc

The Turner Diaries

Eddie Turner

Turner is no axman-come-lately. When the late Tommy Bolin decided to leave Zephyr circa the early '70s, Turner took his place -- and he subsequently played guitar for the Legendary 4-Nikators and bluesman supreme Otis Taylor, whose 1996-2003 platters gained much of their power from Turner's searing riffs. However, he didn't truly step into the spotlight until the release of Rise, a solo disc on the NorthernBlues imprint that earned this same honor in 2005, and The Turner Diaries is even better. On offerings like "Dangerous," "I'm a Man, I'm a Man" and "I'm Tore Down," Turner displays tremendous instrumental range, reeling out licks that stir emotions of every description, and producer Kenny Passarelli, who oversaw much of Taylor's seminal work, makes sure the tracks hang together as songs instead of deteriorating into pyrotechnical showcases. After more than three decades, Turner remains a master of fast-fingered frenzy. These Diaries are definitely worth keeping.

From: Westword - westword

Best Blues Disc

The Turner Diaries

Eddie Turner

Turner is no axman-come-lately. When the late Tommy Bolin decided to leave Zephyr circa the early '70s, Turner took his place -- and he subsequently played guitar for the Legendary 4-Nikators and bluesman supreme Otis Taylor, whose 1996-2003 platters gained much of their power from Turner's searing riffs. However, he didn't truly step into the spotlight until the release of Rise, a solo disc on the NorthernBlues imprint that earned this same honor in 2005, and The Turner Diaries is even better. On offerings like "Dangerous," "I'm a Man, I'm a Man" and "I'm Tore Down," Turner displays tremendous instrumental range, reeling out licks that stir emotions of every description, and producer Kenny Passarelli, who oversaw much of Taylor's seminal work, makes sure the tracks hang together as songs instead of deteriorating into pyrotechnical showcases. After more than three decades, Turner remains a master of fast-fingered frenzy. These Diaries are definitely worth keeping.

From: Westword - westword

EDDIE TURNER
The Turner Diaries
CD Review by Pat Benny

This is Eddie Turner’s newest recording for Northern Blues. Turner’s guitar speaks for itself. Turner plays with a deliberate style, reminiscent of Eddie Kravatz, but Turner’s riffs are far more intricate, far less redundant then Kravatz. His solos are electric blues at their tube screaming best. He hits the bottom of the scales, and then flies to the top with apparent ease. His rhythm guitar is as varied and unpredictable as his lead solos.

Turner’s vocals are also superb; his enunciation is as unique as his guitar solos. He blends them both with confident authority. This is wonderful, because Turner has a lot to say. His lyrics are opinionated, concise and reflect his views of life, our society, and our priorities. Track four is steeped in surrealistic visions, enhanced by Turner’s slide guitar. Every track tells a different tale which link together to give the listener fifty four minutes of something to listen to and enjoy, and much to think about.

“The Turner Diaries” are supported by four musicians:

Mark Clarke—Drums, Percussion
Daniel Barnett—Drums on Tracks 8, 9
Kenny Passarelli—Bass, B3, Wurlitzer and Rhodes
James Trujillo—Bass on Track 8

With backing vocals by:
Anna Givens
Astra Kelly
David Givens and
Kenny Passarelli

Great tunes, great lyrics, performed by a talented young man with a cast of artists that make “The Turner Diaries” a fine collection of contemporary electric blues. An added bonus: the case is one of the newer, paper covers that don't break when dropped on a hard surface.

From SouthBou - Southbound Beat

EDDIE TURNER
The Turner Diaries
CD Review by Pat Benny

This is Eddie Turner’s newest recording for Northern Blues. Turner’s guitar speaks for itself. Turner plays with a deliberate style, reminiscent of Eddie Kravatz, but Turner’s riffs are far more intricate, far less redundant then Kravatz. His solos are electric blues at their tube screaming best. He hits the bottom of the scales, and then flies to the top with apparent ease. His rhythm guitar is as varied and unpredictable as his lead solos.

Turner’s vocals are also superb; his enunciation is as unique as his guitar solos. He blends them both with confident authority. This is wonderful, because Turner has a lot to say. His lyrics are opinionated, concise and reflect his views of life, our society, and our priorities. Track four is steeped in surrealistic visions, enhanced by Turner’s slide guitar. Every track tells a different tale which link together to give the listener fifty four minutes of something to listen to and enjoy, and much to think about.

“The Turner Diaries” are supported by four musicians:

Mark Clarke—Drums, Percussion
Daniel Barnett—Drums on Tracks 8, 9
Kenny Passarelli—Bass, B3, Wurlitzer and Rhodes
James Trujillo—Bass on Track 8

With backing vocals by:
Anna Givens
Astra Kelly
David Givens and
Kenny Passarelli

Great tunes, great lyrics, performed by a talented young man with a cast of artists that make “The Turner Diaries” a fine collection of contemporary electric blues. An added bonus: the case is one of the newer, paper covers that don't break when dropped on a hard surface.

From SouthBou - Southbound Beat

Bluesman Eddie Turner is a combination of Jimi Hendrix and David Wilcox. If you love electric blues with stinging solos, scorching tone and bent-till-they’re-broke string pulls, this is your guy. I really liked Eddie’s big, distorted guitar sound. He’s totally confident that he can pull it off and doesn’t hesitate to drop a sizzling riff at the slightest provocation. Switching to acoustic slide guitar in the beginning of I’m a Man, I’m a Man, he captures that ’30s blues feel while adding a modern amped electric overtop. After all the Hendrix wannabes, Eddie Turner is the real deal. Competing with a legend is tough, but if this is who you are at your core, the comparison quickly fades and the audience begins to see you as artist rather than imitator.
Chris Brown

From: Uptownmag.com - uptown magazine

Bluesman Eddie Turner is a combination of Jimi Hendrix and David Wilcox. If you love electric blues with stinging solos, scorching tone and bent-till-they’re-broke string pulls, this is your guy. I really liked Eddie’s big, distorted guitar sound. He’s totally confident that he can pull it off and doesn’t hesitate to drop a sizzling riff at the slightest provocation. Switching to acoustic slide guitar in the beginning of I’m a Man, I’m a Man, he captures that ’30s blues feel while adding a modern amped electric overtop. After all the Hendrix wannabes, Eddie Turner is the real deal. Competing with a legend is tough, but if this is who you are at your core, the comparison quickly fades and the audience begins to see you as artist rather than imitator.
Chris Brown

From: Uptownmag.com - uptown magazine

Eddie Turner
The Turner Diaries
NorthernBlues NBM0036

"Some say the TRUTH is written in your hand - Some say HEAVEN is a far away land - I only know that which I can see - It’s no secret . . . It’s the Turner Diaries" - Eddie Turner

The sound of Eddie Turner captivated me from the first song, "Dangerous". His powerful rocking psychedelic blues style reminds me of Mr. Jimi Hendrix. His resonant vocals, accented by his sweet guitar rifts take me on a ride. Eddie Turner truly makes that guitar talk.
His descriptive imagery is so masterful. He takes you along with him as he "walks down that road of misery". From the uplifting, rock-out sound of "Cost of Freedom", to the down-home country blues style of "I’m a Man, I’m a Man", Eddie Turner does it all. The dynamic of this artist is just mind-blowing. He crosses all boundaries as he brings some of the most intense sound and powerful lyrics I’ve heard in years.
I am captivated by the diversity of styles and sounds on this CD. I really love this music! It inspires, incites and invites the listener to totally immerse themselves in this exciting arrangement of rock and blues.
You can check out more information on Eddie Turner at eddieturnermusic.com, where it states: ‘If anybody ever went down to the Crossroads and let the Devil tune his guitar it was probably Eddie Turner. Man, you get chills every time the guy strikes a note! And the expressions he makes while he's talking out each lick leave one convinced he's channeling other-worldly ancestral demi-gods.’

This CD is a must-have for all psychedelic blues lovers. It’s definitely one of the most original and innovative sounds I’ve had the opportunity to hear. It’s no wonder that Eddie Turner was nominated for the "2006 Blues Music Awards Best New Artist!" 4 STARS****

- Terry Ann Taylor -

Southwest Blues CD Review - February 2007




- southwest blues

Eddie Turner
The Turner Diaries
NorthernBlues NBM0036

"Some say the TRUTH is written in your hand - Some say HEAVEN is a far away land - I only know that which I can see - It’s no secret . . . It’s the Turner Diaries" - Eddie Turner

The sound of Eddie Turner captivated me from the first song, "Dangerous". His powerful rocking psychedelic blues style reminds me of Mr. Jimi Hendrix. His resonant vocals, accented by his sweet guitar rifts take me on a ride. Eddie Turner truly makes that guitar talk.
His descriptive imagery is so masterful. He takes you along with him as he "walks down that road of misery". From the uplifting, rock-out sound of "Cost of Freedom", to the down-home country blues style of "I’m a Man, I’m a Man", Eddie Turner does it all. The dynamic of this artist is just mind-blowing. He crosses all boundaries as he brings some of the most intense sound and powerful lyrics I’ve heard in years.
I am captivated by the diversity of styles and sounds on this CD. I really love this music! It inspires, incites and invites the listener to totally immerse themselves in this exciting arrangement of rock and blues.
You can check out more information on Eddie Turner at eddieturnermusic.com, where it states: ‘If anybody ever went down to the Crossroads and let the Devil tune his guitar it was probably Eddie Turner. Man, you get chills every time the guy strikes a note! And the expressions he makes while he's talking out each lick leave one convinced he's channeling other-worldly ancestral demi-gods.’

This CD is a must-have for all psychedelic blues lovers. It’s definitely one of the most original and innovative sounds I’ve had the opportunity to hear. It’s no wonder that Eddie Turner was nominated for the "2006 Blues Music Awards Best New Artist!" 4 STARS****

- Terry Ann Taylor -

Southwest Blues CD Review - February 2007




- southwest blues

The Turner Diaries Reveal Soul Of Eddie Turner

Guitar Maven Puts Out Satisfying Blues Brew

Press Release by: Gary Tate

If you're seeking a guitar player that can channel the spirit of Jimi Hendrix then look no further than Eddie Turner. That authoritative sense flows from 4 decades spent honing his craft. On "The Turner Diaries", the leading man summons notes and phrases like a modern prophet, who's done it all, seen it all, and isn't the least shy about revealing the mysteries he's uncovered along the way.

There's intensity to spare, and throughout a bold assertive mood to sustain one's interest. Turner is not a major vocal presence, but he fills the slack with his spectacular guitar voice. Moreover, The Turner Diaries brims with edgy ideas, and there's simply not a bad track to be found on it.

Turner has a knack for churning out superior material. His pinpoint guitar fills have graced many Otis Taylor releases over the years, but Turner seems determined to cut his own unique path, one that's more contemporary and more electrified. "Save My Life" is my favorite track, and I suppose, for slotting purposes, you could define it as psychedelic Blues. But it also has a very distinctive gospel undertow, and there's even a far-eastern Indian influence.

"Confessions" and "Pomade" are instrumentals that reveal Turner's total mastery on the slide, while "New Day" would make Hendrix proud. "Jody" is another winner: a lot of soul went into this one.

"The Turner Diaries" keeps you guessing where it's heading next, and that's why every cut sounds fresh and exciting. Every song has a bite to it, and this release is still receiving a well-received regular workout on my CD player. I rate "The Turner Diaries" as modern electric Blues of the highest order.

Jazz Review

- jazz review

The last time Eddie Turner played Biscuits & Blues in San Francisco, he was backing up Otis Taylor and it was obvious that he was a star in the making at that time. He is now on his own and making a splash transforming the homogeneous elements of blues, jazz, gospel and psychedelic rock into a unique style.
Born in Cuba and raised in Chicago, he absorbed those sounds and has amalgamated them with his experience as a sideman in bands of various genres. He was dubbed “Devil Boy” partly in reference to his ethereal guitar tones which he refines with the use of bits of delay and effects pedals. Don’t put a label on Turner, his sense of the blues is loud and clear and he was nominated in 2006 for a Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut for his 2005 CD “Rise.” “The Turner Diaries” which has been getting even more critical acclaim quickly followed.

Turner’s band mates at this show were Ed Michaels on drums, Andy Nevala on keyboard and Jimmy Trujillo on bass.
They provided cohesion with a freedom of interpretation.


Starting off slow and easy, Turner’s vocals were soft and soothing on “Rock Me Baby” and he soon amped it up with a colorful guitar solo. His rap style version of Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “Gangster of Love” was accompanied by a hard-hitting pattern laid down by the drummer. On “Ask Myself Why,” Turner’s vocals were introspectively soulful with a guitar solo full of texture and passion. “The River” best demonstrated Turner’s skill as one of the most explosive guitar stylists in contemporary electric blues - he sensitively built complex walls of sound that trembled with force and vitality. His vocal rendition of “I’m A Man, I’m A Man” was full of ominous resolution punctuated by a vibrant slide exercise on guitar. On this lengthy tune, an experimental keyboard solo enhanced the undulating melody with the bassist contributing a jazzy solo. On the title tune “Rise” from his CD, Turner’s vocals opened with a repetitive moaning and displayed a unique gospel flavor. When he started off on “I Smell Smoke,” Turner graphically admitted to messing it up and handed it over to the band while contributing a scorching guitar solo.

The eclectic play list of this two-set show also included covers of Robben Ford, Jeff Beck and Fleetwood Mac tunes.
Turner’s exhilarating guitar renderings this evening were full of dynamic subtleties and his body language filled with kinetic energy. When riding on the edge of hard rock, Turner’s inspired rhythmic intensity was phenomenal. Turner has been described as “otherworldly, scorching, polyrhythmic and chilling” and he is all that but he possesses a dimension that transcends those superlatives. Turner crossed musical boundaries with distinction and proved to be a man of all seasons while retaining a blues sensibility - he is definitively indefinable!

----- Dorothy L. Hill
jazzpix@pacbell.net
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- Blues Arts Journal

The Turner Diaries Reveal Soul Of Eddie Turner

Guitar Maven Puts Out Satisfying Blues Brew

Press Release by: Gary Tate

If you're seeking a guitar player that can channel the spirit of Jimi Hendrix then look no further than Eddie Turner. That authoritative sense flows from 4 decades spent honing his craft. On "The Turner Diaries", the leading man summons notes and phrases like a modern prophet, who's done it all, seen it all, and isn't the least shy about revealing the mysteries he's uncovered along the way.

There's intensity to spare, and throughout a bold assertive mood to sustain one's interest. Turner is not a major vocal presence, but he fills the slack with his spectacular guitar voice. Moreover, The Turner Diaries brims with edgy ideas, and there's simply not a bad track to be found on it.

Turner has a knack for churning out superior material. His pinpoint guitar fills have graced many Otis Taylor releases over the years, but Turner seems determined to cut his own unique path, one that's more contemporary and more electrified. "Save My Life" is my favorite track, and I suppose, for slotting purposes, you could define it as psychedelic Blues. But it also has a very distinctive gospel undertow, and there's even a far-eastern Indian influence.

"Confessions" and "Pomade" are instrumentals that reveal Turner's total mastery on the slide, while "New Day" would make Hendrix proud. "Jody" is another winner: a lot of soul went into this one.

"The Turner Diaries" keeps you guessing where it's heading next, and that's why every cut sounds fresh and exciting. Every song has a bite to it, and this release is still receiving a well-received regular workout on my CD player. I rate "The Turner Diaries" as modern electric Blues of the highest order.

Jazz Review

- jazz review