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There are few things in the world that bring a smile to my face
and soul more quickly than a really amazing guitar player playing
guitar amazingly well. I've listened to Sonny Landreth
for years, both on his solo recordings and playing in The Goners,
backing up songwriting genius John Hiatt. Landreth's slide
work is without equal and he has a very distinctive guitar voice,
one that is quickly and easily identifiable. Grant Street,
his latest offering, is certainly no exception. The difference
here is that this is Landreth's first live recording of his own
material. The songs are lively, loose, and full of the generous
spirit that live blues music should contain.
The album begins with the instrumental number "Native Stepson",
which quickly sets the tone for the set, raising the energy level
among the audience and bringing out Landreth's trademark tone.
The darkly bluesy "Broken Hearted Road" is think with
delta style groove, from the perfectly sloppy guitar solos to
the tight rhythm section. "Gone Pecan" kicks the energy
up a few more notches, and gives Landreth his first vocal opportunity
of the set. The song is brilliantly arranged, with amazing guitar
work and driving rhythms, at once recalling some of the finer
moments with The Goners. "Z. Rider" rocks in an almost
Black Sabbath manner, softly belying the fact that Landreth
is traditionally more of a blues than rock player. "U.S.S.
Zydecoldsmobile" does nothing to slow the set down, instead
kicking up the energy levels another notch with its hard driving
ride cymbals and rhythmic guitar work/harmonics. Reaching back
even farther into the annals of blues history, Landreth plays
"Wind In Denver" in the style of old acoustic bluesmen
like Lightnin' Hopkins. The difference is the inherent
power in his own electric slide guitar playing.
It is sometimes difficult to get through an album of largely
instrumental music, as my girlfriend would readily agree, but
there are very few moments on Grant Street that afford
one an opportunity to wish for more than is already there. The
sound is excellent, the playing far superior to almost any other
live record you are likely to hear this year, and the songs varied
and interesting to the ear. Short of being in the audience, this
is as good a live music experience as one could wish for. Fans
of Landreth, blues, or just amazing guitar playing would be hard
pressed to find a better record to live in their players for months
on end.
-Embo Blake
Track Listing:
1. Native Stepson
2. Broken Hearted Road
3. Gone Pecan
4. Port Of Calling
5. Blues Attack
6. Z. Rider
7. U.S.S. Zydecoldsmobile
8. Wind In Denver
9. All About You
10. Pedal To Metal
11. Congo Square
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