After listening to this release from the Perras' I would have selected "I Had a Dream" as the title cut, as it speaks to their dreams for change, the need to make good of bad, right of wrong. "If only my dreams could come true," they sing. Their songs are born out of frustration; songs of protest … a magnifying glass applied to our society and a marker underlining the issues that require discussion and debate. Each has its own unique sound and groove, its own mission, and all creating an interesting mix.
   One of the strongest messages comes with "Front Page News," Bill's slow, lopping guitar blues about the Katrina disaster, venting all of our frustrations and anger over the aftermath of the storm and the lack of response. With frustrations closer to home, "Housewife Blues" is Eli's response to all of those who question the workload of the housewife, a little tongue in cheek but speaking truth to the word, giving ammunition to those who feel the need to defend their good work. The similarities between modern times and the times most of us boomers grew up in seem to go unnoticed by many, but the déjà vu feeling I have doesn't escape the Perras family. They've resurrected a Country Joe McDonald ode to peace, "Free Someday," a ballad the band used tossing outside the White House during the Vietnam war era. "We'll all be free someday" they hope.
   Even closer to home is the heart and Eli's unaccompanied ballad, "Julia Butterfly", is a tribute to their granddaughter who passé away far too soon. It reaches us all deep inside and speaks to the sorrow that gives birth to the blues. Even though the melody resembles an early-American hymn, it is draped in the spirit of the blues. "Tribute to a Friend" is equally poignant and personal as they deal with the loss of a close friend.
   Throughout, the duo is assisted by a collective of musicians they call the Florida Acoustic Segue Orchestra: playing stand-up bass, harmonica, piano, banjo percussion and slide. Of the performers, I was drawn most to the slide work of Steve Rinker. His dobro solo on "Housewife" is sweet and soulful with jus enough sass, and his riffing with electric (lap steel) on "Florida's Song" and "Paid Your Dues" really caught my ear. Great tone and sustain in all the right places. Stan Geberer's phrasing on harmonica on "Tribute" adds another sad voice to the mix and really helps set the mood of the piece.
   This is a collection of topical songs that point to the social issues that frustrate us every day, from corporate injustice to the homeless, from political inaction to stereotypes and prejudice. Each song thoughtfully brings the human condition to light and most offer a silver lining, the possibility of change if we get off our butts and reach out to each other. Their website is www.bluesgotus.com. Hopefully their "blues" will get us. – RDG