JACKIE PAYNE STEVE EDMONSON BAND "MASTER OF THE GAME" Source: Suncoast Blues Society Date: 01/2007 Writer: Larry Lisk

For over 40 years Jackie Payne has escaped the national spotlight, that will change with this incredible release. Jackie and his guitar playing sidekick, Steve Edmonson, have put together a ³tour de soul² with 9 original tunes and four well chosen cover tunes that bring the best out of each and  every piece of this great band. Tight grooves and a steady rhythm section keep the pace strong, the hard hitting SweetMeet Horns make it sassy, ecxellent guitar work gives it an edge and sweet keyboard work fills it all in. But it¹s the emotive, gritty, intense vocals that take Master of theGame over the top. Jackie can overwhelm you with his sensitivity as easily as he can knock you down with his power. He has been compared to the likes of Bobby ŒBlue¹ Bland or Johnny Taylor or Otis Redding but it¹s just Jackie. He brings a feeling to the music that makes it speak directly to you. I can¹t seem to get enough play time for this one, it¹s definitely one of my best of the year picks.