At first glance, Strong Temptation, may appear another Stevie Vaughan sound-alike, and it is easy to make comparisons. A blues based power trio, Southern rockers influenced by Jimi Hendrix, as much or more than by any of the Kings, Sean Chambers is a talented guitarist, and a gritty, energetic singer, and I like this record.
Besides the obvious Hendrix influence, some more obscure, subliminal textures conjured up some of the blues played by Cream, as well as some sonic fretwork throughout the CD, that would likely bring a smile to the face of a certain Mr. Beck, across the pond.
Of the nine selections on Strong Temptation, Chambers covers Johnny Winter ("Mean Town Blues"), Freddie King ("Me & My Guitar"), and "Shame, Shame, Shame," I believe, erroneously credited to Buddy Guy. 5 of the remaining 6 tunes, penned by Chambers, are good solid blues-rock fare, and although I can't say I hear a hit single, say, like SRV's"Cold Shot," or "Wandering This World All Alone," by Jonny Lang, this is a good record and a good indicator that Sean Chambers may be an artist to be reckoned with as his writing progresses.
Strong Temptation, by Sean Chambers, is a hard rocking debut from a guitarist who has the basic tools to sustain a career making the music he loves, a sincere voice, a strong guitar tone, and the chops to pull it off. Whether or not his own singular voice will step forward into the spotlight is anybody's guess, all I know is, Sean Chambers has made a very enjoyable, strong record, and I have a "Strong Temptation" to play it again just because it rocks.
Vestige Records 236 West 26th St. NY,NY 10001 (212)645-0555
E-mail: Vestige@onlinetalent.com
Web: www.vestigerecords.com
This review is copyright © 1999 by Guadalupe Slim, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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