FERNANDO NORONHA & BLACK SOUL The Band: F ernando Noronha:guitar and vocal Xico Preto-electric bass Alexandre "Papel" Loureiro-drums Luciano Leäes: keyboards Some of the best blues/rock recordings I have heard lately have come from some places of which I have not normally thought as being hotbeds of great blues/rock music. First it was the great Javier Vargas from Spain, Clas Yngstrom from Sweden, and most recently Boogie Stuff from Bavaria and the Blue Messengers from Italy. Great blues and blues/rock music knows no geographical boundaries. Now comes an extremely strong entry from Brazil, in the form of "Blues From Hell", the 3rd CD released by Brazilian guitar hero Fernando Noronha and his band Black Soul. Noronha is without question one of the best yet relatively unknown guitarists I have heard in many a day and his band is first rate as well, anchored by the most excellent bass guitar of Chico Preto and the solid percussion of Alexandre "Papel" Loureiro. Joining the band for this set is famed US keyboardist Ron Levy who not only adds his own brand of Hammond B-3 wizardry to the mix, but also doubles as producer. The end result of all of this is one of the freshest and most exciting recordings which has come along in some time. The CD opens with the Texas blues/rocking "Sugar Daddy", one of 12 Fernando Noronha original compositions on this set. This song sets the stage well for what lies ahead: hot Stevie Ray/Lonnie Mack type guitar licks, excellent vocals, and first rate accompaniment. Levy's keys add much to the sound, but it is without question Fernando Noronha and Black Soul who steal the show. One excellent track follows another here and leaves the listener longing to either start over again at track 1 or hop a plane to Brazil and find these guys live and in person. This is definitely a band from which you will want to watch for great things to come. Take a listen to the sweat drenched guitar of "Ain't That A Shame", the powerful guitars of both Noronha and Preto on "Blues From Hell", the beauty and power of the funky "Crazy Love", and the Lonnie Mack like "Clap Your Hands" and see if you do not agree with me that this is a band with a tremendous future ahead of them. I am giving "Blues From Hell" my highest recommendation as a "must own" and will be a welcome addition to any blues/rock collection.