“Hoochie Coochie Man” and the whole com- pilation ends with a 45-minute “Mountain Jam.” After nearly 50 years, this one comes as a rare threat for us Peach fans. Get it. You can’t go wrong.
-Michael Buffalo Smith
Ghost Town Blues Band Shine
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this new album from Ghost Town Blues Band
since first hearing about it this past Spring. It was indeed worth the wait. Shine, the band’s fourth studio album, and fifth overall is downright spectacular. Soulfully packed in roots and blues, each of the dozen original songs stand out in their own way. With singer/guitarist Matt Isbell as front-man, this Memphis-based band consists of guitarist Taylor Orr, saxophonist/producer Kevin Houston, trombonist Suavo Jones, bassist Matt Karner, drummer Andrew McNeill, with Cedric Taylor on B3 and piano. The feel-good energy of “Running Out
of Time” delightfully ushers the album in. I love the Allman Brothers vibe and the sweet sound of slide guitar. “Soda Pop” is a down- right blast. Isbell fearlessly rips it up on cigar-box with some hard-driving blues. The song is definitely one of my favorites. Although “Shine” and “Givin’ it All Away” were both on GTBB’s live album, Backstage Pass, I embrace the new studio recordings. Guest vocalists Paul DesLauriers and Annika Chambers both make an appearance on title- track “Shine”. This beautiful feel-good song always puts a smile on my face. “Givin’ it All Away” is one bodacious jam. The jazz-soaked rhythm from McNeill and Karner set the stage for a captivating performance from
Suavo amid the swirling sounds of guitar and B3. I enjoy it immensely. The funky groove of “Dirty” sinks its
psychedelic claws in deep as Orr tosses out screaming cool-as-hell guitar licks. I dig the rap break injected into the song by Suavo too. It truly gives the song an extra dimension. With a chockful of emotion, Orr gives a heart- felt delivery on “Carry Me Home”. It’s such a great song. Illana Katz Katz makes a guest appearance on “Hey There Lucinda” with vio- lin in hand. This absolutely lovely song deli- cately brings the album to a close. Shine is one of the best records I’ve
heard this year. I give it my highest of recom- mendations.
-Phillip Smith
The Dickey Betts Band Ramblin' Man: Live at The St. George The- atre (2019) (BMG)
Recorded on July 21,
2018 at the historic St. George Theatre on Staten Island in New York City, the Dickey Betts band still sound great. I must note that Betts was always my favorite Allman Brother. Love his guitar playing (Duane Allman once said “I get all the credit but Dickey plays his ass off.” True.) I also love his voice and song- writing. I have to be honest, after time off for bad behavior and burying two band mates, Dickey’s playing is still great, but you can tell he has lost the power he once had in his vocal. Even still, the guy is a legend, and the set list for this live gig is sure to please Peach Heads the world over. For the 50th anniversary of At Fillmore
East, Betts starts off with “Hot ‘Lanta,” then a 10-minute version of “Blue Sky.” For the next tune, Betts brings Gregg Allman’s son Devon
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