| [2011-08-24]
Larry
McCray: "Delta Hurricane"
"Blues guitarist and vocalist Larry McCray's
second Pointblank CD gets off to a dreary start with
the title track, a tune with neither interesting lyrics
nor a good arrangement. But after that flop fades, the
remaining 10 cuts are almost as powerful as the material
on his critically acclaimed debut. McCray has the kind
of tough, down-in-the-dirt voice you can neither fake
nor acquire. His guitar work is equally authentic; there
aren't any flashy phrases or flamboyant riffs, just
pile-driving lines, barreling statements and energetic
support for his vocals. There aren't many better contemporary
blues albums being made by major labels; McCray is the
real deal. " ~ www.allmusic.com |
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Seth
Walker: "Leap Of Faith"
"Like Delbert McClinton,
a friend and mentor who guests on a track here, (Seth)
Walker has always seasoned his blues with generous
portions of Memphis soul and roadhouse rock ‘n’
roll. For his sixth outing he traveled to Nashville to
work with veteran producer and songwriter, Gary
Nicholson, with the results both a bit of a departure
and his finest outing to date.If you’re a fan of
McClinton’s you’ll recognize the basic template
here: greasy grooves, churchy organ, and punchy horns
all expertly blended into a bubbling southern soul stew.
Things start off nicely with the driving rhythms of “Can’t
Come With You,” fuelled by a slippery slide guitar
riff and catchy chorus. “Rewind” borrows from
British neo-soul man, James Hunter, right
down to the groovy sax and staccato strings. Walker pulls
it off with aplomb, delivering a finely nuanced vocal
that combines equal parts swoon and swagger for an early
highlight." "
~ www.blogcritics.org |
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