CD Review
Memphinati
Beat Of Love
(Appaloosa AP147)
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: March 2004
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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If the name Memphinati sounds strangely familiar it is because its
component parts probably are: Memphis--closely associated with Gary
Talley--and Cincinnati--ditto Richard Fleming. The pair have ties with the
legendary Box Tops: Talley was their lead guitarist, and Fleming wrote for
the band. Talley is still associated with the recently rejuvenated Box Tops
but has found time to team up with Fleming to record "Beat Of Love" in 2002.
On one level "Beat Of Love" can be considered as a celebration of many of
the great American music styles of the 20th century. It is largely
dominated by blues-based material, with Fleming providing most of the
soulful vocals. All of the songs are originals, and they range from the
slowed down Diddley Beat of the title track, through the twangy guitar of
"You Crazy," to the blue eyed soul of "Something I've Done" and even
venturing into Eagles territory for the politically aware "Streetcar."
These are all beautifully crafted tunes, that let you know that these guys
really can write, and when you start to dig a little deeper you find that
they have an extensive pedigree in this area (besides the Box Tops,
satisfied customers include James Cotton, Carey Bell, Koko Taylor and Eddy
Clearwater).
"Beat Of Love" is a fine album, full of really good songs. You could easily
imagine some of them being picked up by other artists. This is not to say
that Memphinati do not do them justice, however, because they do: Fleming
and Talley are both good singers and guitarists (although Fleming only play
son one track here); Galen Breen plays pretty much everything else. The
liner notes suggest that the CD is "intended for miles and miles of
listening pleasure" and that is precisely what you get for your money. Not
strictly blues, sure, but very good nevertheless.
http://www.garytalley.com/memphinati.htm
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