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THE
HOLLYWOOD BLUE FLAMES "ROAD TO RIO"
Source: Blues Journal
Art Studio
Date: 08/2006
Writer: |
Following
on from last year’s ‘Soul Sanctuary’
ser from the same label,, this release finds the
remaining members of the late seventies/early
eighties Hollywood Fats band in top notch form
– and in case you didn’t know, Fats
and co. were the prime movers in the genesis of
the current West Coast blues scene. Pianist Fred
Kaplan, bassist Larry Taylor, drummer Richard
Innes and Al Blake on vocals/harmonica./acoustic
guitar are augmented by guitarist Kirk Eli Fletcher
and there are guest appearances by the likes of
guitarist Junior Watson, Kim Wilson and others
– which should indicate the quality of this
music! It ranges from the down-home to the swinging
and is truly top-notch all the way.
…But in case that wasn’t
enough, there is a bonus CD of an hour’s
worth of previously unissued live material by
the original Hollywood Fats band, with the late
Michael ‘Hollywood Fats/ Mann proving
(again) just why he is so revered. This set
has added historical significance as it presents
Fats’ vocal debut, in addition to the
expected exemplary guitar work; it also contains
two titles apiece with vocals by Eddie ‘Cleanhead’
Vinson and Roy Brown.
Interested in the sounds that
have come out of California over the last 25
years? If you answer to that question is a ‘yes’,
then this CD is absolutely essential. |
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