Originally released in Europe in 1999, "Rituals" is back in the limelight
thanks to the attention being afforded to Jimmy Dillon's recently released
single "Louisiana Rain." It is one of 11 original tunes written by Dillon,
who has played and toured with several notable acts including Dr John, the
late lamented John Lee Hooker, and Buddy Guy. He has assembled a fine
supporting cast too, including several of Robert Cray's cohorts (Kevin
Hayes on drums, Jim Pugh on keyboards, Karl Severaid on bass and the
Memphis Horns).
The stinging guitar that opens "Mighty Long Road" serves notice that Dillon
means business, sounding like a slightly harder version of Albert
King. The Robert Cray influence is not too far away either, and reappears
most notably on "I'll Be There For You" which sounds like something that
Cray himself could have written. The more soulful side of Dillon is also
evident on "Heaven" which opens with some very nice muted trumpet from John
Halbleib.
The album also shows off the more rock oriented side of Dillon's work, most
notably on "Trouble." It also appears in tandem with a touch of funk on
"Love Not Possession," and some fine slide guitar on "Hey Hey." These
tracks stand in sharp contrast to the two more down home blues numbers that
round off the album. On "Dangerous Man" Dillon plays steel guitar to fine
effect, before finally wrapping it all up with the acoustic guitar and harp
combination on "My Blues." It is an interesting way to end the album, and
shows off a different side of Dillon when compared to what has gone before.
"Rituals" is a fine album, which highlights the broad range of styles that
make up Jimmy Dillon's repertoire. The spectrum runs from down home blues,
through to more rock oriented material, and even into AOR territory with
"Louisiana Rain." It is all well done, however, and there are plenty of
high points here, most notably when Dillon teams up with the Memphis Horns,
and on the closing acoustic tracks. If you like your blues with a side
order of soul and rock, then pick up a copy of "Rituals" from Dillon's web
site (www.discconnection.com/dillon_home.html) or your local store.
This review is copyright © 2001 by Gordon Baxter, 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.