The disc starts off with the title tune which calls to mind Wynonnie Harris and Roy Milton, two of Big Joe's primary influences. The tune also showcases the white hot West Coast guitar stylings of Ivan Appelrouth who provides outstanding guitar work throughout the entire disc. "Down In Louisiana" is as it's title suggests a Cajun flavored tune while "Move It or Lose It" has it's roots in the Texas blues sound of T-Bone Walker. Other styles covered on the disc range from the 50's doo wop of "My Baby's Tops" to the southern gospel and soul influenced "The Church of Your Love" and "You Were Always There." Another highlight is a cover of Ike Turner's "One More Time" which features Applerouth doing a spot on impression of Ike's patented whammy bar guitar technique.

All Night Long is a strong album from start to finish, featuring a crack band, a strong vocalist and excellent choice of material. You should check this recording out as well as the rest of the Severn catalog which is uniformly excellent. www.severnrecords.com

This review is copyright © 2001 by Barry Gober, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.