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KIRK
FLETCHER "SHADES OF BLUE"
Source: Jefferson Public
Radio
Date: 12/2004
Writer : Derral
Campbell |
It
may have seemed that by the beginning the 21st Century,
the art form called the Blues would have become diluted
and cliché enough to be considered endangered
after a hundred-year run, but 2004 has brought us many
reminders of its ongoing vitality.
Kirk
“Eli” Fletcher is a young guitarist,
a preacher’s son from Compton, California, but
his understanding of musical dynamics makes him a
true maven. His release “Shades of Blue”
has been issued by Delta Groove Productions, and it’s
GOT to be record of the year for me. With Kim
Wilson generating storms of sparks on harmonica
and vocals, Finis Tasby and Janiva
Magness also sing while Fletcher provides
ultra-tasteful, relevant backup. And his solos just
shred, true perfection of nuance and restraint, and
he can bring stinging heat and a high boil when it’s
right. His playing is muscular yet deft, proof the
Blues are alive and quite well.
Also
recommended: “Sold Outside” by Raoul &
the Big Time, “That Represent Man” by
the Mannish Boys, Michael Power’s
“Onyx Root”, and “Make a Change
Sometime” by Nathan James and Ben Hernandez.
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