Entertainment One; Release date: June 28, 2011
THE DEAL: Homage to the three Kings of the blues.
THE GOOD: Guitarist Jeff Golub backed Rod Stewart and Billy Squier before going solo, but what he does here has nothing to do with any of that. With the help of guitarists Sonny Landreth and Robben Ford and pianist Henry Butler, Golub hosts a tribute to the three Kings — B.B., Albert and Freddie. “Born Under A Bad Sign,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Help The Poor” and “Everyday I Have the Blues” have all been done to death in retreads from everybody in the business, but these guys breathe fresh life into the material. Drummer Josh Dion’s vocals are like a blend of Clapton and Robert Cray. Golub has the gumption to play just enough guitar to keep the homage intact without trying to outdo the masters. Landreth checks in with some boiling slide instantly recognizable as his own style but blends right in with the Kings’. Henry Butler’s vocals are the highlight of this session, putting a big shot of soul into this bluesfest.
THE BAD: Nothing to report. This one works on every level.
THE VERDICT: This one flies way under most folks’ radar, but it’s one you need to bring down and capture.
CD review
music
Jeff Golub Band
This article appears in Best of Charlotte 2011.
