Minneapolis musician Lonnie Knight serves up a sweet mix of music with his new CD, "Big Shoes!" Knight's third album features everything from beautiful ballads to hot rockin' rhythm and blues--all woven together by the stirring, exciting sounds of Knight's guitar playing.
Knight kicks off this album with a powerful, "Just Ride the Train" that's filled with fun, funky rhythm and some great guitar licks! Knight then cools down the pace with a beautiful bold ballad, "That's How Much I Need Your Love" by Jeremy Radjenovich. His smooth vocals reflect the heartfelt lyrics, making this song a gem. "Love is a Foreign Language," also written by Radjenovich, is another strong soul-searching ballad.
Knight's "Burn This House" and Frank Spinale and Linda Loopen's "Gonna Scratch Your Name" feature exciting, tantalizing guitar licks that will knock your socks off! Knight's guitar playing is extraordinary! He takes chances, and creates a wonder as to what he might do next. What isn't conveyed through words, is felt through his guitar playing--through his technique, touch and tone. Listening to Knight's playing is like peering through a window to his soul.
"Big Shoes" offers a variety of tunes and musical styles. "The Ballad of Spider John" by W.A. Ramsey, is a sweet storytellin' ballad with a haunting feel. Knight's, "Too Damn Blue" combines more serious lyrics with a light-hearted, fun rhythm and blues melody. This tune will have you dancing to the lyrics, "sittin' here laughin' when I really need to cry--I'm just too damn blue to die." Knight caps off the album with a wonderful rendition of Tony Joe Whites' "Rainy Night in Georgia."
Lonnie Knight's CD, "Big Shoes" is his third album. His first two albums, "Family in the Wind" and "Song for a City Mouse" by Symposium Records, were released in the mid-seventies. Knight's variety of music reflects his past musical experiences and his ability to play virtually any genre. Whether you're a lover of blues, rock, pop or folk music, you'll want to pick up this CD and treat yourself to a listen!
Website: www.lonnieknight.com
E-mail: lk@lonnieknight.com
Roommate Records
Produced by Lonnie Knight Mpls., Minnesota
This review is copyright © 1999 by Lisa Gault, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.