This CD recently won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues album of the year. Although Jimmie has already won three other Grammys, this marks his first solo win. Don't be fooled into believing this is a traditional recording because it is not. However, it is definitely Grammy -worthy. On his third solo release, Vaughan storms into the 21st Century with a new label, new attitude and a pile of new radio-friendly songs. Vaughan continues to provide a vital link between contemporary music and its proud heritage resulting in a unique form of modern roots music.
"Dirty Girl" is an instrumental shuffle with mind-boggling B3 work courtesy of Bill Willis. In fact his musicianship is awesome throughout the entire disc. No doubt his days spent with Freddie King and Lavern Baker have contributed to his talent. Likewise George Rains ensures the rhythm section is solid thanks to his consistent, ardent drumming. Vaughan combines the origins of blues (slide/harp) into a brilliant contemporary tune called "The Deep End". Superharp James Cotton guests on this song which will refuse to leave your memory banks. Guest vocalist, Lou Ann Barton, uses the power of her potent voice to create affectionate chemistry on "Power Of Love". Here, listen as Jimmie epitomizes what Texas guitar is all about. "Let Me In" is a hard, heavy shuffling boogie with an infectious repeating rhythm. Effective and haunting percussion is provided by Jose Galeano. Vaughan's guitar captures your attention and commands it on the slower paced "Don't Let The Sun Set". Herman Green's presence on flute offers a unique sound on the song. "Robbin' Me Blind" is a real rocker with gospel-ish background vocals by Greg Sain and James Edward Sain.
From a bio found on his label's website, Jimmie states: 'I wanted to make a romantic blues album. I was listening to a lot of Sarah Vaughan and a lot of jazz. So I wanted to put my dirty blues guitar and the romantic feelings and the ins and outs of love together on one album. It's got a lot of gospel stylings, it's got blues, it's got R&B.' Throughout the self-produced, 55 minute, 11 track disc Jimmie struts Texas-style with plenty of finger pickin' good guitaring. Although not complex, it sharply cuts into your emotions and takes them on a sensational voyage. His vocals are unobtrusive and the songwriting (including 6 penned by Jimmie and one co-written by his son Tyrone) is superb. To cap it all off, the band performs like they haven't been separated since birth.
For CDs and information, contact: Artemis Records, 130 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011 website: www.artemisrecords.com Artist website: www.jimmievaughan.com
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Tim Holek, 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 email Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
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