the very next song is all about a guy after the breakup, as he expounds upon the joys of being a bachelor in “Upside of Lonley.”Again, brilliant song writing! Say you like the occasional cover tune?
How about the classic Marvin Gaye song, “Heard it Through the Grape Vine?” I can dig it. And the other cover - wait, it’s not a cover if its your song, right? A brand new version of the band’s biggest hit, “Slow Ride.” Sounds great! The album was produced by the great Tom
Hambridge. I have yet to see a project with Tom’s name attached that wasn’t just stellar. The album is also special for it’s guests
artists, including former Buddy Guy Band member Scott Holt, who is front and center on Roger Earl’s side project, Earl & The Agi- tators. (See review in Quarternotes). Former Foghat producer and player Nick Jameson joins the party, as does Kim Simmonds, who gave Roger Earl his first shot in the band Savoy Brown fifty years ago! Dana Fuchs adds some great female vocal pressence, especially on the excdellent “Honey Do List,” and Rod- ney O’Quinn plays on the record as well. The album is filled with radio-ready tracks like “All Because of You,” and the harmony heavy “Heart Gone Cold.” Like I said at the outset, this is one of Foghat’s best ever. Get you some.
-Michael Buffalo Smith
Mac Arnold and Plate Full O’ Blues Give It Away ( PFOB Music/Planta- tion #1 Productions) This new album,
Give It Away, from the legendary record-
ing artist Mac Arnold is one big tasty bowl of traditional blues. Alongside Arnold, is Plate Full O’ Blues, which consists of guitarist/vo- calist Austin Brashier, Max Hightower (har-
monica, keyboard, bass), and drummer Scotty Hawkins. This band is the real deal, bringing solid performances to a baker’s dozen of ter- rific tunes, of which the lion’s share are origi- nal.
Arnold breaks out the gas can guitar on a
few tracks, and it sounds doggone good. The first of those, “Don’t Burn My Cornbread” brings a smile to my face each time I hear it. According to the liner notes, the lyrics to this love song were sparked by an actual dinner- time incident. Things get even more interest- ing down at Max’s “Uncle Dewitt’s Café”, a popular little juke joint in the country where they would dance all night to a nickel juke- box. Brashier plays this one very nicely. Hightower, harmonica in hand, gets
“Damned If I Do” started with a nice dose of blues harp. This one is slow-cooked Texas style, with hot guitar licks and sweet vocals. I love the inspirational “Give It Away.” This title track is so full of soul; one can’t help but resonate with its spirit. Another song I find fantastic and heartfelt, is “How I Need You”. Beautifully performed, I wish it was a little longer than two minutes in length. Mac Arnold and Plate Full O’ Blues also
give up a solid and soulful performance on Brook Benton’s “I’ll Take Care of You,” as well as a rollicking rendition of Jerry Reed’s swampy hit single “Amos Moses.” This album is a treat for the ears and is definitely recom- mended for the serious blues fan.
-Phillip Smith
(Be sure to visit Phillip Smith’s Re- views Website
phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com)
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