Here's one from John Taylor at MNBLUES.com
http://www.mnblues.com/cdreview/2004/raoulbigtime-cold-jt.html

Raoul And The Big Time
Cold Outside
Big Time Records BTRCD-002
Reviewed by: John R. Taylor

Blues as a recognizable art form emerged at roughly the same time as the ability to record it. As a result we're blessed with an almost complete historical portrait of the music's evolution over the years. And even a cursory look will reveal significant change. From the music's earliest, primitive strains to today's slick, mega-budget projects, the blues have clearly come of age.

Yet one can argue convincingly that things have gone just a little too far, and that somewhere along the way something's been lost. Instrumental wizardry has replaced meaningful communication, and studio trickery has dulled any sense of intimacy. All too often the rough edges are polished to perfection, with the results pristine yet strangely sterile.

Raoul And The Big Time understand that it's the music's feel that matters most, that it's essential to leave a bit of exuberance and energy in the mix. Both are amply evident on "Cold Outside," the band's sophomore outing on their own Big Time Records label. True, ten of the twelve tracks here are originals, with leader Raoul Bhaneja sharing credits on a handful with his bandmates. But the material, the band's approach, and production values all belong to a time when tubes and tone ruled, distortion was the order of the day, and songs squeezed a succinct message, rather than a gazillion notes, into their allotted time.

It's not unfamiliar territory these days, what with 'retro' virtually synonymous with cool. But Raoul And The Big Time do it better than most, managing in the process to inject more than enough personality to stand out from the pack.

Things start off conventionally enough with the solidly swinging "Can't Help It." It's followed by "Otherside Of Town," a reverse-shuffle with lyrics that delve into the darkness of prejudice from various angles. The band exhibits a commendable willingness to take risks with the old-timey sounding "Kiss Every Dollar Goodbye." Driven by guest John Showman's violin, it seems at first rather out of place, but as Raoul's musical journey continues to unfold it makes perfect sense. "Baby Don't Stop" rides a jungle beat with some nice harmonica from Bhaneja before we enter harp heaven with "Easy," the Walter Horton instrumental classic. Supported only by Darren Gallen's guitar, it shows Bhaneja a harmonicist of exquisite control and deep feeling. "Call Me Crazy" bristles with an angry energy, with exemplary drumming from perennial award-winner Tom Bona (Sue Foley) and superb stand-up bass from Cheong Liu. "Come Back" marks a return to swing territory, featuring the inimitable (tho' many try) fretwork of guest Junior Watson. "Living In Paradise" is another old-timey tune, this a duet between Bhaneja and the aptly named Graham Guest on piano. More high profile help arrives in the person of Big Joe Maher, who trades vocals with Bhaneja on a killer version of "Loving Machine," with Bhaneja substituting harp for the more familiar horns to excellent effect. The title cut is a minor-key masterpiece with the band moaning in the background, giving the song an eerie, otherworldly feel perfectly in keeping with the song's mood of desperation and despair. Chilling indeed! "The Mercy Song" lies somewhere between the swamp and N'awlins, with lyrics that avoid typical blues clichés. Things wrap up with "You Got It all," Bhaneja taking up the guitar in deference to guest Mark Hummel's harmonica mastery.

Instrumental performances throughout are first-rate, as are Bhaneja's relaxed, assured vocals; that he manages to convey his message without ever seeming to try too hard may owe something to his theatrical training - he's an accomplished actor with numerous appearances in both film and television to his credit. Songwriting is exceptional as well, with the band both adhering to and updating tradition. The chances they take show that Raoul And The Big Time are anxious to build upon the past rather than simply recreate it.

Unquestionably one of the finest releases, indie or otherwise, to come down the pipe in a while, this one gets my highest recommendation. Miss it at your peril!

Web: www.raoulandthebigtime.com