Robert Lee, aka Robert Lee Balderrama, has credits forming the bands Saith and Inflight, but those are dwarfed by his preeminent work as the lead guitarist for Question Mark & The Mysterians (think 1966's "96 Tears"). His continued solo work brings him to sojourn here with this release marked by clean, clear, and consistently viable axework and fine contemporary works. The flavors dance between rock and blues with a confident blend of both.
With a sometimes-scratch-filled and earthen vocal profile, Lee capitalizes with his own opener "My Sweet Time"; a testimonial laced with wonderful piano and and echoing harmonica. Robert gets all over Alvin Lee's "The Bluest Blues" with an extraordinary orchestration and tendered, pleading vocals. The third cut, "Crazy World" is also offered as a live video clip on this enhanced CD. From "Bullseye" and "Endless Lies", and into axe-driven "One Too Many" and "Even When She's Bad" look for solid rock and strong blues approaches with seasoned axe virtuosity as well.
Find Lee in front of Frank Rodriguez on keys, Ron Doizer on bass, and Randy Hurry striking the drumkit. It's Bill Rosebush on the harp on two cuts; Jay Brandow giving the axe on two; Harold Rivette taking bass for one; and Beto Lugo throwin' down the percussion on four! Background vox stem from Rodriguez and Dozier. Lee and Chad Cunningham produce and find elegant channels for this talent to shine!
The timekeeper has snappy responses and this tends toward softened blues rock stuff towards the end, but this plate is full also. Cunningham and Lee's "When I Hold You" sounds hard but mellows with its soft-sung lyrics, and the closing "Talk To Me" seals the CD with a bluesy and contemporary feel! No mock turtle here, these are profound new tunes with a sharp edge through and through; blues with seeming unconscious rock configurations.
Bullfrog Records, Inc.; PMB355 ; 4106 E. Wilder Rd.; Bay City, MI 48706:
or, www.bullfrogrecords.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Mark A. Cole, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, 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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