Kevin Bryan’s record reviews
![Review by Judi Moore](https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/webimg/legacy_oak_63680071.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Review by Judi Moore](/img/placeholder.png)
Mainstream popularity came King’s way at a fairly advanced stage of his career , and thiscompelling live package showcases the Mississippi born musician in sparkling form as he wields his trademark Gibson Flying V guitar on classic creations such as “Crosscut Saw,” “I’ll Play The Blues For You” and his best known song, the much covered “Born Under A Bad Sign.”
Kate Rusby,”Ghost” (Pure Records) The Barnsley Nightingale’s first album of wholly original material since 2010’s “Make The Light” marks a subtle musical progression from its well received predecessor, with electric guitarist Steve Iveson’s atmospheric contributions appearing for the first time alongside some fine work from bluegrass banjo ace Ron Block of Alison Krauss and Union Station fame. The bulk of this understated set is dominated by Kate’s splendid interpretations of fine traditional ditties such as “Three Jolly Fishermen “ and “The Outlandish Knight,” although “After This” and the haunting title track should help to remind listeners that she’s an excellent songwriter in her own right too.
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Hide AdThe Waterboys, “Modern Blues” (Harlequin and Clown) Waterboys’ frontman Mike Scott has proudly declared that people should always expect the unexpected from his endlessly eclectic outfit , and “Modern Blues” found him decamping to Nashville with fiddle playing sidekick Steve Wickham to channel the spirit of classic southern soul in tandem with legendary Muscle Shoals bassist David Hood. The finished product is a little on the uneven side but the creative highs far outweigh the relative lows, and devotees of Scott’s passionate approach to musicmaking should try to lend an ear to standout tracks such as “November Tale,” “Destinies Entwined” and the epic closing cut, “Long Strange Golden Road.”
“Simply Rhythm & Blues” (Union Square Music) This richly rewarding 4CD set offers listeners an inexpensive introduction to all that’s best in r&b, drawing on classic archive recordings from the likes of Big Joe Turner , Bobby “Blue” Bland and legendary New Orleans singer and pianist Professor Longhair to name but a few. The excellent Yardbirds are represented by three tracks, “Got To Hurry, “ “A Certain Girl” and “I’m A Man,” and the compilers have also unearthed an early offering from Rod Stewart in the shape of The Steampacket’s cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1963 hit, “Can I Get A Witness.”