RnR Magazine Review

In the May/June issue of RnR Magazine, Morgan Hogarth reviews Andres Roots' "Royal Spa Blues - Live from Temperance" CD, writing: "In addition to self-penned gems such as 'Jook Jones' and 'Tango Walk' he covers Hendrix with 'The Wind Cries Mary', The Beatles on 'Come Together' and traditional blues on the excellent 'Station Blues Medley'. But while his interpretations of such tracks are creatively arranged and well worthy of inclusion, the real highlights of the setlist are his original numbers, particularly '4am Hot Dog', 'Legacy Blues' and 'The Wagon Swing'."

Blues in Britain Reviews

In the May issue of Blues in Britain, Norman Darwen reviews the "Royal Spa Blues - Live from Temperance" CD - and Nicholas John reports on this year's Temperance show with Dave Arcari, from that very album's launch tour.

"The Estonian king of (mainly) acoustic blues instrumentals Andres Roots has re-established his following since Covid as a regular and welcome visitor to these shores," writes Darwen about the 2024 recording. 

"Fifteen songs, all instrumentals, all solo and acoustic, and all well worth a listen. They vary from the lovely blues of ‘Springtime Blues’ and ‘Station Blues Medley’ and the sprightly ‘4 A.M. Hot Dog’ (nice bass string snapping) to the self-explanatorily titled ‘Tango Walk’, the “confusing” ‘Django’ and excellent covers of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘The Wind Cries Mary’ and, to finish off, The Beatles’ Come Together’, whilst ‘Spanish Run’ sounds like a vintage rock guitar instrumental from the early ‘60s – maybe."

"Restrained subtlety is Roots’ stock in trade," suggests John, having witnessed the more recent set at the same venue. "Andres has a dry wit to accompany his dexterous playing and this approach to gentle storytelling enhanced his fine set of instrumentals, his guitar weaving through tangos, swing and folk blues."