 | LURRIE BELL "Cuttin' Heads" Vypyr Records, 2000 (VP-1001) |
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Lurrie Bell is immersed in the blues. As the son of bluesman Carey Bell, Lurrie became one of the original members of the Sons of Blues and remains fiercely devoted to the blues. On Cuttin’ Heads, Bell’s astounding guitaring and singing proves he isn’t just one of the new bluesbloods, he is THE one! You will be gasping for air after the first track. The hyperventilating will continue through the entire length of the CD. It’s loaded with ten cuts and (as per the credits) seven of them are originals. Solid support is provided by Willie Samuels (bass) and Reggie Wright (drums) while Michael Coleman features regularly on rhythm guitar. Lurrie sings the first verse of Got A Watch On You and immediately jumps into a hearty guitar jam. Within seconds, the listener knows this is an electric Chicago blues guitar disc. I’m talking about road-tested, authentic blues guitar that is energized by blues that flows through the veins. The rough edge of Bell’s soloing and scratchy chording is softened by the keys and organ of Dave Rice. His enthusiasm on the 88s continues on Man And The Blues. Here, Lurrie sings like Buddy Guy by emphasizing certain phrases in a high pitch that is laced with excitement. On I’ll Be Your 44, the Heritage Horn Section adds a power that comes charging and blasting out like a bullet from a gun. The pace slows on Leaning Tree where the rhythm and vocals get as passionate as the guitar playing. The tune includes the romantic sounding alto sax of Jerry Winston. He and Lurrie build the pace to a driving crescendo where they trade riffs off each other. Poppa Carey guests on harp on Call Me On The Phone giving it an early electric Chicago blues sound and feel while Lurrie dramatically plucks each note. The disc contains one of the best versions of Play The Blues For You ever recorded (and there have been many). The guest horns belt out the essence of the song via six soul-stabbing notes. The blues drip off the frets as Lurrie picks, pushes, and bends his strings establishing the legacy Albert King has left behind. He strains his voice to reach some notes but everything played on his guitar is done precisely with impeccable timing. How many times have you heard a great set at a club or festival then purchased the artist’s CD only to be extremely disappointed? Lurrie ensures that won’t happen here. This guitarist’s guitarist has released a live-off-the-floor disc that blues fans dream about. |