Paul Rodgers is familiar to a ton of people, having been in several successful groups, "Free", "Bad Company", and "The Firm", to name a few. Most of these were blues based rock and roll groups. This CD is a reissue, originally released in 1993, which except for the release date, is identical to the previous version. This is a tribute to Muddy Waters,
containing 15 songs that were either written by Muddy Waters, or that Muddy was well known for performing, along with two versions of a song dedicated to Muddy Waters. Guesting with Paul Rogers is a who's who of musicians that include Buddy Guy, Trevor Rabin, Brian Setzer, Jeff Beck, Steve Miller, David Gilmore, Slash, Gary Moore, Brian May, Neal Schon, Paul Schaffer and Richie Sambora.
The CD opens and ends with 'Muddy Water Blues", one an acoustic version
and the other an electric version. This song was written by Paul Rogers and mixes slow delta blues with gospel vocals to give a slightly raw delta feel to the song. 'Louisiana Blues' harkens back to the sound of Paul Roger's days in "Free" for it's rocking blues sound with some heavy guitar work by Trevor Rabin. Brian Setzer adds some rock-a-billy licks to 'I Can't Be Satisfied', but the sound is still blues based rock. 'Rolling Stone' shows the influence of Jeff Beck's guitar playing. The playing reminds me a bit of his "Guitar Shop" album mixed with Bad Company style vocals.'Good Morning Little School Girl Part 2' with Richie Samboa on guitar rocks out more than the more traditional sounding Part 1 with Jeff Beck. 'The Hunter' with Slash on guitar doesn't mine any new territory that wasn't covered on Roger's Free albums but it's a great song anyways.
'She Moves Me' with Gary Moore on guitar starts out understated for those familiar with Gary Moore's blues excursions. Basic blues rhythms back the vocals, but once the guitar solo kicks in, Gary blasts guitar work that would fit perfectly on his "Blues Alive" album. 'I'm Ready', a Willie Dixon tune recorded by Muddy Waters gets a solid shuffle
treatment. Brian May's guitar style is totally recognizable on this track. 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' gets a slowed down approach with Jeff Beck on guitar. This song is both slow and heavy at the same time with solid British blues tone. Most of these songs are classics in their own right, having been done by numerous artists over the years.
Bottom Line: If you liked the bands 'Free", 'Bad Company' or the 'Firm' and/or Paul Rodgers vocal stylings and want more, then this is a worthy purchase without any thought. Stylistically it's classic Paul Rogers vocals. The who's who of guest guitar musicians provides both the familiar and the new on each version of these songs. I think it's a keeper. I give it three stars out of four.
Paul Rodgers - Lead Vocals
Jason Bonham - Drums
Pino Palladino - Bass
Ian Hatton - Rhythm guitar
Numerous guests - guitar
Web sites: www.paulrodgers.com
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Robert T. Murphy, 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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