GA-20 return with Orphans, an eight-track collection of covers bringing together previous single releases, live favourites and tracks the band have long wanted to record but that did not fit on earlier albums. It also marks a new chapter, introducing Cody Nilsen on vocals and guitar and Josh Kiggans on drums to the band’s growing fanbase.
Both make a strong impression. Cody, in particular, sounds born to front GA-20. His vocal range is striking, bringing exactly the right mix of swagger and grit, while his blues chops on guitar interweave seamlessly with founder and band leader Matt Stubbs in the group’s trademark twin-guitar, no-bass format.
The song choices are inspired, digging deep into Chicago blues roots and sidestepping the obvious, overplayed standards. Billy Boy Arnold’s Cryin’ N’ Pleadin’ opens proceedings with raw authenticity, sweeping you off your feet. I Love You, I Need You (Lazy Lester) slows the pace, its vintage recording techniques giving the track invigorating freshness. James Brown’s I Don’t Mind leans more towards The Who’s version than the original, delivering a punchy, almost garage-rock edge.
One of the standout moments is Stranger Blues (Elmore James). Cody impresses vocally while delivering jangly guitar lines that lock tightly with Stubbs. The instrumental Hold On, I’m Coming receives the full studio treatment, with bass and organ recreating the feel of the Earl Hooker version.
No Chicago blues collection feels complete without a Little Walter track, and My Baby Sweeter delivers. Josh drives the tempo confidently while Cody injects real emotional weight into the vocal. Things shift up another gear with Ike Turner’s Just One More Time, a swinging slab of rhythm and blues infused with a strong 60s feel.
Instrumental closer Chicken Pickin’ showcases the band’s chemistry and leaves the listener wanting more. At just 22 minutes, Orphans may be compact, but it is superbly executed. Any concerns that changes to the line-up might dilute GA-20’s mission statement are quickly dispelled. With new original material reportedly in the pipeline, there is plenty of reason to be excited about what comes next.
— Steve Yourglivch
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