It's been several years since I have heard the soulful voice of Lee Roy Parnell. For fans, the waiting is over. Vanguard Records released Lee Roy Parnell's first studio recording in four years, on June 12th. Lee brings an outstanding cast of guests to the lineup, including: Keb' Mo', Bonnie Bramlett, Delbert McClinton, and The Mississippi Mass Choir. He hits you with a little bit of everything from Texas blues rock, a little boogie, and gospel-which is outstanding, I might add, to a little country. Parnell is very popular with eleven top ten singles under his belt. It's not simply a question of voice, song writing skills, and an unmistakable guitar attack that has earned him the respect of countless fans. The guy put in a lot of road miles and house gigs to get where he's at today. Lee penned nine out of ten songs on this outing with a lot of personal standouts for yours truly: Track #2: Crossin' Over, highly-charged and a bitchin' slide attack, Track #4: South By Southwest, with Delbert McClinton, is a killer; moving into Track #6: I Declare, the vocal pairing and string arrangements with Keb' Mo', is definitely my favorite song-unbelievable! Taking a step forward into Track #7, you get the feeling of the "old time tent shows" with The Mississippi Mass Choir-a whole lot of toe tapping and clapping; hell man, you just can't help it! Check this disc out-it's full of surprises.
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, 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.
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