CD Review
Saturday Nite Fish Fry
Rhythm & Soul
(One Mind Records - OMCD1204)
by Sarah French
Review date: November 2004
|
|
"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
| |
Very rarely does a band come along that can basically rewrite classic R&B songs and make them sound fresh, or write modern songs that could easily have been pulled from a 50’s era juke box. An astonishing feat indeed and it seems so easy for Bill King and his band, ‘Saturday Nite Fish Fry’. Their new release “Rhythm & Soul” (7 Arts) has a timeless quality and a very eclectic mix of great music.
Featuring piano and vocals from the gifted Mr. King and unbelievable vocals from Shakura S’Aida, each song is a treat. The first track ‘Ain’t I talkin’ To You Baby” is a fine indication of how well this band works together. The sexy ‘That’s How I Feel About You’ has smooth, toned down vocals from Ms. S’Aida and a wonderful brass arrangement, featuring Chris Gale, Bob Brough and John Johnson on sax and trumpet from William Sperandi. ‘Something On My Mind’ is an original written and sung by Bill King. With a great bass and drum lines from Davide DiRenzo (drums) and Scott Alexander (bass) and guitar with a southern electric slide feel from Neil Chapman, this rockin’ tune easily becomes a favourite. The Blues are evident on ‘Easy, Easy. Easy’. With an adopted Barrelhouse sound courtesy of the piano and the soulful lyrics provided by Shakura, this tune is somewhat over shadowed by the rock guitar licks.
All of the tracks on this disc are great. The real gem, however is a cover of Big Maybelle Smith’s ‘Maybelle’s Blues’. It is over seven minutes of raw Blues vocals at its best. I have seen Ms. S’Aida perform this song live, and the recording does not do any justice, but this is a killer track. The lyrics are sexy and very cheeky, and the innuendos are obvious, which is part of the fun. Some of the other tracks on this disc include a modernized version of ‘John The Revelator’, Elmore James’ ‘I Can’t Stop Lovin’’Big Bill Broonzy’s ‘I Can’t Be Satisfied’ and a fantastic track written by Bill King called ‘I’ll Miss Your Smile’.
Radio friendly and irresistible, this collection of songs is impeccable. With the help of the personnel, each track on “Rhythm & Soul” restores the original good time feelings and meaning of g R&B, whilst providing a fresh sound and arrangement. A fine effort from “Saturday Nite Fish Fry” that will soon be a favourite in many music collections. For more information, visit www.7artsmusic.com.
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 Dave "Doc" Piltz, 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.
|
|