Review: GA-20 – Volume 2
GA-20 – Volume 2
Format: CD – Digital / Label: Independent
Release: 2025
Text: Pascal Wilhelm
A GA-20 is a vintage Gibson guitar amplifier. Oh, and yes, wait! It also the name of a Boston- based blues trio with Matthew Stubbs (ex-Charley Musselwhite touring band) on guitar and fresh new members Josh Kiggans on drums and Cody Nilson doing the lead vocals and playing guitar as well. No bass? Yes, no bass.
GA-20 reformed after Pat Faherty and Tim Carman left the band in 2024 and is currently ripping stages again. Releasing a record every year (‘Lonely Soul’ in 2019, ‘GA-20 Live Vol 1’. in 2020, Try it … You might like it in 2021, ‘Crackdown’ in 2022, and ‘Live in Loveland’ in 2023), I think this EP with four songs is a reminder that, despite the significant change in personnel, GA-20 is still a force to reckon with.
To be honest, not much really changed since Cody became lead singer. The formula of playing old blues songs with two guitars and loud vintage equipment still works. But why in heaven’s name release an EP with only four songs and call it “highly anticipated” (text from the press release)? I call it highly disappointing.
Imagine you are recording with a trio. The mics are open, and the tape is rolling, why not just record some more songs? Come on new GA-20, we want more! It could be their current searing touring schedule (We just don’t have the time!) or it might be they still need to settle in artistically (We wanna give it some time but also let people know we are still there!).
Can somebody please explain?
Short album, short review. But keep on rocking GA-20, because you still sound exciting!
Tracks:
01. Stranger Blues
02. I Love You, I Need You
03. Cryin’ & Pleadin’
04. I Don’t Mind
Website: https://ga20band.com/