If you’re after a particular sound, it helps to go to the source. So when Alvin Lee felt the urge to cut a flat-out rock ‘n’ roll record in the style of early Elvis, he travelled to Nashville to enlist the aid of his idol, Scotty Moore.
Moore and drummer D. J. Fontana weren’t just present at the birth – they were among the architects of rock ‘n’ roll. And while Moore was only able to contribute his inimitable guitar to two tracks here, he’s nonetheless a large presence throughout; sessions took place at his own studio, and it was Moore who assembled the band; in addition to Fontana, there’s Pete Pritchard on double bass and pianist Willie Rainsford.
As Lee notes, these gentlemen are masters of the groove, and the flawless foundation they lay down gives Lee lots of room to show he’s learned his lessons well. His leads here are tasteful and fleet, and while his vocals won’t win any awards he proves more than adequate on most numbers, wisely opting not to try too hard. The songs are all original, most capturing the vintage sound effectively; there’s lots of rockabilly and the R&B influence is unmistakable, but stripped down to its basics one can argue that most of it’s just blues speeded up. Included is a reprise of Lee’s “I’m Coming Home,” the song he rode to glory at Woodstock.
Given the maturity of the participants it’s not surprising that experience has replaced some of the youthful fire and energy that fuelled the music in its early days. So rather than a defiant sneer we get knowing smiles and a sense of warm camaraderie and mutual respect. But when things slow down to a mellower groove the sound’s not terribly far from J. J. Cale territory, and that’s never a bad thing.
Ultimately, though, the project soars on the obvious joy Lee takes in playing with his idols, and the loose, relaxed feel everyone achieves. (Lee had originally scheduled a three-week visit but everything was captured in the first two days). Once upon a time the very notion might have seemed antithetical, but Lee and friends prove rock ‘n’ roll can indeed grow up.
www.alvinlee.com
www.rainmanrecords.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 © 2005 by John Taylor, 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.