THE HOLLYWOOD BLUE FLAMES "SOUL SANCTUARY" Source: Real Blues Magazine Date: 10/2005 Writer :

If you’ve been living in a cave (or on Salt Spring Island) you may not have heard about the newest Blues Guitar Sensation, Kirk Fletcher. But, unlike 90% of the so-called Guitar stars, Kirk Fletcher, is no ego- fuelled wanker or a ‘child-prodigy’ with Big Bucks promotion behind him. This guy is, in the opinion of most Blues veterans, the Greatest picker since Hollywood Fats (Michael Mann) and after you hear this album you’ll undoubtedly agree. So, it’s entirely appropriate and almost ‘spiritual’ that Hollywood’s old bandmates, Al Blake, Larry Taylor, Fred Kaplan and Rick and Innes should come together again with Kirk Fletcher in the guitar spot. The Hollywood Fats Band blew a lot of minds and captured countless hearts and souls in the brief time (late 70s) they tore up the clubs and released a killer album (now available on Crosscut Records). Those who were fortunate enough to see/hear Hollywood Fats in action uniformly state “He was so incredible, that words fail to convey his presence and abilities...” (after hearing Fats ‘go nuts’ on Canned Heat’s ‘Live At Woodstock 1979’ album (Capital/King Biscuit) and video clips from his James Harmon Band days, I have to say that in all my days as a fan I’ve never seen/heard anything like Hollywood Fats. Losing Fats so tragically had a profound negative effect on his bandmates, but as the years passed, ‘mourning loss’ can be converted to ‘celebrating one’s life’ and I see this album as a step in the grieving process and much, much more, as Fletcher isn’t about to try and fill Hollywood Fat’s shoes. He doesn’t have to and he’s also a totally different animal. Blues fans have also come to know all the band members quite well since the 1970s as they’re all stellar performers in their own right; Al Blake (vocals/harp), Larry Taylor (bass), Richard Innes (drums), and Fred Kaplan (piano), and as much as this album showcases the depth of Kirk Fletcher’s abilities on guitar, it also proves that Al Blake is an often-unheralded Blues Harp Master who deserves to be considered in the Top Ten of Greatest Living Blowers. And, the man can sing. Kaplan is one of the very few who carry on the Blues Piano tradition of the late, great Lloyd Glenn (just listen to those glorious Glenn /Floyd Dixon-styled tinkles on “My National Inquirer Baby”). Larry Taylor is of course the King of Blues Bass (electric and acoustic) and founding member of Canned Heat and Richard Innes may be the Best Shuffle-Master west of the Mississippi. It’s easy to hear right from the first notes that as great as this band was before, they’re absolutely DEADLY now. “Flambed” sets the pace with Kirk tearing off leads and shredding notes to quickly establish his turf and huge presence. (Lots of Magic Sam feel). “Nitwit” is a retake on the classic L.C. McKinley Chicago barn-burner. Breakneck tempo with great horns and dancing guitar pickin’. “The Land of Calio” is Al Blake in all his glory; a beautiful downhome Blues featuring harp magic that will have you wanting to shout “Yeah!” as he gets down a la’ Sonny Boy #2. “Soon Forgotten” is a ‘good-riddance’ tune from the pen of St. Louis Jimmy and it’s a theme that shall remain eternal. Great piano from Fred and throbbing bassline from Larry with stinging Chicago (Rush-styled) guitar from Kirk (it’s as if Fletcher has absorbed all the elements of Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Freddy King, BB King, Pee Wee Crayton and a dozen others and morphed it all together into a vast arsenal). “He’s A Bluesman” shows a great creative mind to go along with great fingers as Kirk lays down guitar tracks that go together like bread-and-butter, but it’s the little embellishments he throws in that catch your attention and have you thinking “Hey, that’s cool!”. “Jo Angelyn” is a beautiful instrumental showcase featuring fluid Modern Blues guitar from Fletcher and Kaplan’s B3 organ on top of piano and great cymbal- work by Innes. “I’m a Lucky Lucky Man” gets down-home (a la’ Henry Gray) and “Black Cat Bone” gives listeners a chance to hear Kaplan and Blake working together creating magic. These guys are obviously joined-at-the-hip after decades of friendship and performing. Fine acoustic harp. “Soul Sanctuary” has more of the same with West Coast piano at it’s finest. “My National Inquirer Baby” is my favorite track for it’s great groove and true Blue lyrics. Horns right out of a 1955 Lowell Fulson session. This should be a Shag Hit in Myrtle Beach (if it’s not already). “Coco Puffin” is a nasty, scary Blues dealin’ with The Dark Side, which we all know about, but seldom acknowledge. Pure perfection with wonderful guitar work and spooky organ. This is as Powerful as it gets folks! A masterpiece in Blues Performance. Goose-bumps! “Big Foot’s Boogie” has Fred pulling out all the stops on this boogie woogie piano jumper. “You’re Sweet” is a very special treat to close off the disc as Al Blake and Kim Wilson do an acoustic guitar & harp rendition of Jimmy Roger’s classic with Wilson blowing up a storm.

In summary, I’d have to say this is one of the Best Blues albums of the last year and easily a West Coast Blues Classic with non-stop magic from start-to-finish. You can’t help but have a much greater appreciation for all involved (Kaplan & Blake especially) while Kirk Fletcher’s legend grows by leaps. There’s enough Mojo on this baby to make it essential listening. 6 Bottles.