Blues, soul, gospel, and funk combine to make a roots stew. The songs present characters at once fresh and familiar. Strong writing, world class players, no weak links.

12 MP3 Songs
BLUES: Electric Blues, BLUES: Soul-Blues

Details:
Al Basileâs first solo disc, the pre-millenium âDown on Providence Plantation,â set the tone for his recording career. With the first of his six collaborations with Duke Robillard as producer/guitarist, he shows the eclectic roots influences - blues, jazz, soul, gospel - and carefully crafted lyrics which have characterized his entire output. This one has lots of characters and each song presents a dramatic situation or tells a story.

Starting a solo career after years as a sideman and songwriter proves a wise choice, as every one of these songs shows a maturity usually found only in veteran efforts. This collection includes âBite Your Tongueâ which was later covered by Ruth Brown on her Grammy-nominated disc R+B=Ruth Brown, Basileâs only foray so far into funk territory on âDonât Start Somethingâ where keyboardist Dave Limina channels Stevie Wonder and the rhythm section of Duke, Marty Ballou, and Marty Richards smokes like a heap of burning tires, a 60âs psychedelic treatment on âYou Brought My House Downâ featuring Robillardâs backwards guitar solo, and the heaviest slice of straight blues in Basileâs output to date, âI Really Miss Youâ which boasts two lengthy and intense Duke solos. The final cut âLonesome Travelerâ shows Basile using his gospel influenced lyrical voice in a healing message to those who still walk alone after years out on the road. With his first record, Basile breaks in at the top of his powers - heâs stayed there ever since.

People who are interested in John Hiatt Duke Robillard Delbert McClinton should consider this download.