Ronnie Earl is considered one of the most important blues artists of his generation. He only started playing at a relatively late age, during his college days. After attending a blues concert with a fellow student, Ronnie was lost. He bought a guitar and managed to reach a high level after several years of self-study. Where many blues guitarists push the boundaries with rock, Ronnie Earl is audibly
… influenced by jazz. In addition, on this studio album you can hear influences from (the title says it all) soul and even gospel, especially in the Hammond playing of organist Dave Limina. As usual, the emphasis is on instrumental blues, but this time vocalists can be heard on roughly half of the material. An important role is reserved for Kim Wilson, besides being a singer, best known as a harmonica player (' the Charlie Parker of the harmonica ', according to Earl). The moments when these top musicians play together are some of the highlights of this CD. But the most impressive is the beautiful tone in Ronnie Earl's guitar. You would almost think he sold his soul to the devil. (MS)more
