Blue Deal’s “Make A Change”: German Blues-Rock Lands in the First League

The German quartet Blue Deal is back with their third album, “Make A Change,” cementing their reputation as one of Europe’s premier blues-rock outfits. This release, again via the French label Dixiefrog, follows their self-produced “Holy Ground” (2022) and last year’s highly praised “Can’t Kill Me Twice.” The title hints at more than just the welcomed addition of new bassist Willy Macht; it signals a band ready to move into the top tier of international blues-rock.

Led by the formidable pairing of veteran vocalist/keyboardist Joe Fischer (formerly of Cadillac Blues Band) and the younger, virtuosic guitarist Tom Vela, Blue Deal confidently wields a sound that pays homage to the genre’s legends while forging its own identity. Their strength lies in a seamless ability to pivot across the entire blues-rock spectrum—from muscular boogie to sensitive acoustic folk.

🎚️ A Masterclass in Classic Influences

“Make A Change” is an eleven-track journey brimming with meticulously crafted originals. The album immediately hits a familiar sweet spot with tracks like “Another Reason,” featuring Fischer’s barrelhouse piano and vintage ’70s riffs that strongly recall the Bad Company era, especially given his Paul Rodgers-esque vocal timbre.

The Texas shuffle of “Bad Boogie Woman” channels the grit of ZZ Top and George Thorogood, allowing Vela’s six-string work to shine before Fischer’s Hammond organ steers the track into a Chicago blues coda.

The band isn’t afraid to wear its classic rock influences on its sleeve:

• “Get It Done” features an imperious organ solo that sparks vivid memories of Deep Purple’s half-century-old sound.
• The title track itself showcases Vela skillfully echoing the style of Ritchie Blackmore.
• The brief instrumental “Hell Valley,” with its haunting slide and tom-heavy intro, brings to mind early Wishbone Ash.
• The soaring, Peter Green-infused guitar chorus on the slow, airy blues “Greenland Shark” acts as a brilliant nod to the early Fleetwood Mac.

✨ The Secret Weapon: Cohesion and Feeling

Beyond the powerful vocals and guitar heroics, Blue Deal’s true mastery lies in their unwavering commitment to feeling and cohesion. This is evident in the funky “Two Hearts,” where the new rhythmic partnership of bassist Willy Macht and drummer Jürgen Schneckenburger lays down a fine, grooving foundation, while Vela’s guitar bursts evoke the spirit of the Jeff Beck Group.

• The album maintains its emotional depth with:
• The dark, languid “Over Jordan,” a track that wouldn’t sound out of place on Free’s seminal “Tons of Sobs.”
• The soulful “Rent A Heart,” providing a sensitive platform for both Fischer and Vela to display their brilliance.
• The conclusive, heavy blues of “The Storm Will Come,” offering a heavy-hearted yet comforting farewell for fans of Gary Moore.

Verdict: “Make A Change” is a resounding success. Blue Deal combines masterful musicianship with an authentic, tangible emotional core—a quality often missing in modern rock. By prioritizing impeccable band chemistry and raw feeling above all else, the quartet has played their strongest hand yet, solidifying their position in the First League of contemporary blues-rock.