Cathi's CD Reviews 1-2-2010
Chambers, Sean – “Ten Till Midnight” (Blue Heat Records) BYoung guitarist from Florida who ended up working as Hubert Sumlin’s guitarist/back up band for about five years. Has kudos from magazines about guitar prowess. Big protégé of Jimi Hendrix and SRV. Not the greatest singer, more of a Johnny Winter kind of talk-yeller, but he can work the guitar. Hear Luther Allison touches and a lot of sustain, snarling distortion and fills where I’m guessing he thinks he’s gonna get paid by the note. Nice for nights when you’re pumped up on alcohol and drugs, but hey I know there are a lot of you out there! Stand out tune on disc is the last one where he plays some fine resonator slide guitar. Can’t wait to hear this guy in 20 years when he runs out of vitamins.
King, Ron – “His Place” (Ron King Productions)
Home-grown production by a religious guy who writes a lot about Jesus, and sings in a very vibrato voice that shouts when he’s talking about the Lord Jesus. Not Recommended.
May, Willie- “Category Six” (Williemay Music)
Gravely voice fronting a not very interesting band. Touches of lady vocals and a small assist on harp by James Cotton can’t really bring it up to being recommended.
McCormick, Quintus – “Hey Jodie!” (Delmark Records) B+
Soulful singer, long used to working as a sideman for other players (James Cotton, Lefty Dizz, Otis Clay), Quintus was encouraged by Buddy Guy to start his own band. His vocals are strongly soul-influenced and guitar playing modest but bluesy. Good to hear some mojo on blues vocals. Keeps guitar playing distortion for the most part. This disc however has an interesting example of the difference between the more traditional style blues and the newer distortion rock guitar. Check out # 3 or 15 (for distorto gtr. and then #4-clean). Weird. Band pretty good – horn backup. This guy’s gonna get better with age.
Pepin, Pam – “In it for The Long Haul” (Independent) C+
Interesting lineup – lady vocalist plays saxophone—nice tone, and sax gives the blues a nice gritty flavor. Vocals clean but not too bluesy—more pop. CD’s kind of blues/pop light. Love that blues sax though…not overrun with jazz or gymnastics…just enough to fill the pocket. Nice piano rocker (#4) to change things up. Not really recommended, but big marks for effort and passable variety tune (#12).
Wood, Charlie – “Flutter and Wow” (Archer Records)
Former keyboardist for Albert King, this player moved to Europe and spread himself around in jazz and popular music/piano bars. His performances there caught the ear of Norah Jones’ producer, Adam Levy, who produces this disc. Wood’s experiences also includes working with Paul Simon, and his work here reminds me of a cross between Norah Jones and Simon – smooth piano, nice voice, kind of mellow cocktail bar sound. Switches beat up between New Orleans, light rock and jazzy ballads. Easy listening…ballads are most appealing.
posted by Cathi N @ 8:28:00 AM
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