Wainwright is a US bluesman, a recognised and admired producer and performer with a string of US blues awards to his name, and a presence that comes across as big, big, big, here.
Wainwright’s voice is truly excellent, like a male version of Janis Joplin, at times raw, powerful, strong and stellar.
He hammers the keys with a rattling, melodic, driving pulse, holding shades of Louisiana great, Doctor John, and the ever-wonderful Marcia Ball, both comfortably contained in the mix.
At times, he turns his hand to towering, soaring B3 before again returning to vocals and keys.
There is also some very fine fretwork from Pat Harrington, and horns that deliver down and dirty growls when needed.
The songwriting here is lyrically strong, and the undertones of blasting gospel and pure blues-passion, are clear, evident and always paced and pitched near-on perfectly.
Wainwright includes a song dedicated to B.B. King’s old Gibson guitar, Lucille.
Overall, this 12-track release absolutely roars and rips along, full-tilt, balls to the wall stuff with assured ability and purpose.
Boogie-woogie, barrel-house keyboards and driving pedal-to-the-metal blues delivered with power, drive and enormous quality and talent.
This must surely be a band to catch live somewhere down the blues highway. An absolutely excellent release, truly top-dollar in every way.
Album Review by IAIN PATIENCE
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