CD Review
Memphinati
Beat Of Love
(Appaloosa AP147)
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: March 2004
|
|
"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation
| |
 |
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
Buy this CD NOW:
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
"This review is copyright © 2004 by Gordon Baxter, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Hosting & Design:
CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75.
The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here
to find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.
|
|
 Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
Copyright © 2004 Ray M. Stiles & Blues On Stage
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.
|
|
We build websites