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THE
HOLLYWOOD BLUE FLAMES "SOUL SANCTUARY"
Source: Ilpopolode
Blues
Date: 09/2005
Writer: Giulia Nuti |
The
spirit of Hollywood Fats, if ever gone, now is definitely
back. The Hollywood Blue Flames are Al Blake (vocals,
harmonica & acoustic guitar), Richard Innes (drums),
Fred Kaplan (piano & organ), Larry Taylor (bass),
Kirk Eli Fletcher (guitar). For blues lovers it will
be pretty easy to recognise this line up. The original
Hollywood Fats Band just changed its name but it is
back with all the former members. Of course, without
the unforgettable Hollywood Fats, who tragically died
too young in 1986. But life goes on, and now Kirk Fletcher,
one of the best blues guitar players to emerge in the
latest years, has the task and the honour to fill Fats’
shoes. It was a hard role to play, but Kirk perfectly
succeeds in keeping the tradition alive, mixing talent,
ability, deep feeling and a beautiful smooth sound.
The rest of the band play with the confidence that only
people who have been playing together for a lifetime
can achieve. The Hollywood Fats Band used to be one
of the best bands in the world to play jump and west-coast
blues. Why should it be different today ? Of course
Hollywood Fats is missing, but Kirk is skilful enough
to be his heir. And the band is at the top level exactly
as it used to be. Wonderful record. |
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