The story of the British singer, guitarist and songwriter Chris Rea is now known. The writer of bittersweet eighties ballads like Josephine and Fool (If You Think It's Over), after overcoming a debilitating illness, decided to devote himself only to his old love the blues. The steaming blues rock album Santo Spirito Blues is clearly an exponent of this. Lovers of his rustic old work will have to
… swallow songs such as Rock And Roll Tonight and opener Dancing The Blues Away. Here is a steaming blues rock band playing almost gives the check. Rea makes effective use of his aged and gritty voice and lets his slide guitar sing and howl. Of course the old Rea, with more melodic, bluesy ballads, is also featured, but that he mainly wanted to rock a game this time is clearly audible on Santo Spirito Blues. He does it with gusto. (MR)more
