Lee Roy's latest CD is again successful blend of rock, blues, country and soul that should appeal to general public with discerning taste. With nine of ten songs being originals done with collaboration with people like Dan Penn, Gary Nicholson, Tony Arata and Jack Pearson, this collection of music just can't fail. It has everything, strong performance, impeccable musicianship and excellent production and it easily qualifies as one of the best CDs of 2001.
Deep-voiced Lee Roy Parnell is a songwriter who's influenced heavily by the soul and gospel traditions which accommodate his music brilliantly. These influences show trough on this well-recorded outing. Just listen to his duet with the legendary Bonnie Bramlett on his slow soul ballad "Breaking Down Slow" and you'll know! It's the varied material that grabs the listener's attention, from radio friendly "Right Where It Hurts" with fine horn arrangement, roadhouse blues of Crossing Over," fine rocking "South By Southwest," good time feel of "I Declare" featuring Keb Mo or frantic gospel of "Brand New Feeling." One can trace early James Taylor influence in beautiful "Tell The Truth" or even Randy Newman' worth of "Guardian Angel."
All tracks are standout and of high standard in every view and with exceptional guests who include Delbert McClinton, Keb Mo, Bonnie Bramlett and The Mississippi Mass Choir, Lee Roy Parnell just couldn't make bad record. This is stuff of the master who has learned his lessons well and who's messages are simple and heartfelt. His stories has been lived through and their beauty is in the way Lee Roy Parnell brings them to us with his music. This is beautiful stuff and if you give it a listen, you'll agree and love every minute of it.
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Vasja Ivanovski, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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