 |
|
 |
JACKIE
PAYNE STEVE EDMONSON BAND "MASTER OF
THE GAME"
Source: Blues &
Rhythm
Date: 10/2006
Writer: Norman Darwen |
This
outfit's 2003 CD "Partners In the Blues"
was one of the nicest surprises of that year,
a real, solid and fully realised blues effort
that demonstrated just why vocalist Jackie had
fronted the Johnny Otis Orchestra for many years,
as well as just what a skillful guitarist and
capable bandleader Steve is. It also showed the
wisdom of teamwork.
So could this CD follow suit?
Well, of course it could! These guys have spent
the intervening years on the road honing their
talents and it shows. By around the half-way
mark of this CD, I had made mental notes of
the influence on these guys of the likes of
Albert King, Junior Parker, John Lee Hooker,
Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, Freddy King, BB King and
ZZ Hill - but unlike many bands these days,
these elements have been absorbed and reworked
in the best blues fashion. Take a listen to
track five (of 13), "Woman In Kansas City",
with its broomdusting guitar recalling the heyday
of Elmore James. However, listen to the unison
riffing of the horns, and even their place in
the mix, which shows a real familiarity with
and understanding of Elmore's work - and the
original (but traditional sounding) lyrics and
fine vocal delivery complete an excellent blues.
Now some of you may have noticed
ZZ Hill in the above list, and that reference
is not to the journeyman soul/blues singer of
the seventies (who nevertheless made many more
than decent 45s) but to the man he became, the
fully-developed southern soul great who helped
revitalise the music in the early eighties -
yes, Jackie's voice is that good! The last few
numbers - with the exception of a fine guitar
instrumental - fall into Memphis/ deep soul
territory, with "A Nickel And A Nail"
perhaps also a passing nod to Robert Cray. And
any set that can end with a killer version of
"I'll Take Care Of You" to rival Bobby
Bland has just got to be a contender for album
of the year.
Any quibbles? Yes, I do have
one - that title. Surely it would be more accurate
to call this CD "Masters of the Game".
After all, everyone concerned in this superlative
set is right at the top of their form! |
|
