Originally from North Carolina, Barnes spent the last 15 years in California where he released an album with Scotti Brothers Records before returning to his home in the south. Currently living in Moultrie, Ga., "Wonderful Woman" marks the first release with Ecko Records and showcases his skills as a fine singer and catchy songwriter.
The 11-track 44+ minute CD lies more in the R&B/soul section of your music store than the blues bin, but it is an entertaining effort nonetheless. "Wonderful Woman" also features Bay Area guitar slinger Tommy Castro playing lead on "Who Is He?" Other cuts worth noting include "Night Train," which contains nice guitar phrasing by Gary Carpenter and "You Just Ain't Livin' Till You've Got Somebody To Love."
Ecko Records, 5242 Helene Cove, Memphis, Tenn., 38117
(901) 761-7197
www.eckorecords.com
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.