2008-06-25
The king of rock and soul returns with a star-studded collection (Keb’ Mo’, Ben Harper, Jesse Harris, Steve Jordan, Eric Clapton, Danny Kortchmar) that gives his “A” list guests a chance to use his storied voice to propel their tunes. While the songs bear the lyrical and rhythmic sense of their authors, Burke’s voice adds a visceral punch. Clapton’s easy, loping, "Like a Fire" and "Thank You" probably wouldn’t get much attention on his own discs but get enough extra heat from Burke to pull the listener into the lyrics. On the other hand, Burke’s read on the Keb’ Mo’ penned "We Don’t Need It" isn’t enough different from the author’s own style to elevate it to new heights. That’s more a tribute to Keb’ Mo’s terrific delivery on his own discs than a criticism of Burke’s take on the cut. Elsewhere, Burke tears through Ben Harper’s funky "A Minute to Rest and A Second to Pray" and Steve Jordan’s soul gem, "Ain’t That Something" with a relish that reveals a hunger to dip into classic R & B. Jesse Harris’ "What Makes Me Think I Was Right" flirts with Country while the courtship is consummated on "The Fall", a country style weeper with pedal steel guitar leading Burke through the heartache. SmittySANDY CARROLL
Unnaturally Blonde
DANA FUCHS
BLISS AVENUE
JAMES BLOOD ULMER
Bad Blood in the City: The Piety Street Sessions
REVEREND RAVEN AND THE CHAIN SMOKIN' ALTER BOYS
SHAKE YOUR BOOGIE
Toni Lynn Washington
I Wanna Dance
ROD PIAZZA AND THE MIGHTY FLYERS
EMERGENCY SITUATION
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