Reckless and Blue
Seven Deadly Gins
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Dec 2025
Seven Deadly Gins is the second album from Reckless and Blue. The album's late December release coincides with the band's January 2026 performance as the Colorado Blues Society's participant in the International Blues Challenge, and their February tour of the United Kingdom. With that said, I'd like to say "Best wishes from the House of Blewzz" on both of those endeavors.
Reckless and Blue consists of: George Williams on vocals and guitar; Shaunda Fry on vocals; Steve Gaskin on drums; Allen Anderson on keys; and Tom Dillard on bass. For this project they are joined by: Dutch Smith on bass; Annie Phillips and Ernie Martinez on backing vocals; Jeff Miguel on saxophone; and Derek Banach on trumpet. All of the disc's ten tracks were written/co-written by George Williams.
Sadly, it is not uncommon for someone to drown their sorrows in liquor. In this particular case, while not coping very well over being dumped by her man, Shaunda finds her solace in gin - "Seven Deadly Gins" at that. In her own words, "I've been drinking gin like never before, since my baby walked out that door". In spite of the song's melancholy lyrics, musically it's actually an up-tempo dance floor filler with a catchy sing-a-long chorus line.
"Triflin' Blues" is a scorching ballad that finds George and Shaunda going toe-to-toe with a heartfelt and soulful vocal performance. While facing the fact that their relationship is in trouble, the sincerity they share in wanting to get through it could very well be the healing factor. Along with the killer vocal duet, musically it's got all the slow blues boxes very nicely checked as well: a somber rhythm vibe from Steve on the drums, Tom on the bass, and Allen on the organ and piano; and piercing slow blues guitar licks from George. If I may, I'd like to suggest to Reckless and Blue that they incorporate this one into their 20-minute IBC performance.
A very similar track, that would make an excellent segue, is "Can't Give Me The Blues". With George telling Shaunda "You can't give me the blues, I've had the blues since the first day I met you" and Shaunda telling George "You can't give me the blues baby, I've had the blues for a long, long time", it's very apparent that this relationship should have been avoided from the get go. Musically, the track is highlighted by Allen's extraordinary piano work.
"Shimmy Shakin' Blues" is a rhythm fueled smoker that will surely fill the dance floor. With George and Shauna aggressively belting out move inducing lyrics, the band - with killer guitar and piano leads - is in all out jam mode.
The disc closes with "Stormy Night In Denver", on which a sometimes sassy and sometimes powerful Shaunda - with a bit of help from the backing vocalists - absolutely sings her heart out. Musical highlights include more fabulous piano runs from Allen, and fiery horn leads from Jeff on the sax and Derek on the trumpet. Other tracks on this well-done release include: "Come Back"; "Don't Expect Me"; "Burnin' Daylight"; "If the Blues Was Whiskey"; and "Hey Pretty Baby".
If you've not yet received a copy of Seven Deadly Gins for airplay, please contact Betsie Brown at - www.blindraccoon.com - and should like to find out more about Reckless and Blue, check out their website - www.recklessandblue.net. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend The Blewzzman sent you.
