Title: Clean Getaway
Artist: Curtis Salgado
Genre: Blues/Soul/Funk/Rock
Release Date: 8th July 2008
Label: Shanachie
Album Review
Hats off to CURTIS SALGADO, they are right, he’s definitely outdone himself once again. Entitled ‘Clean Getaway’, this is Curtis’ first studio album in nearly four years. Tearing it up with 12 tracks - 6 new original cuts which he either wrote or co-wrote and 6 “cover” tunes, Curtis has never sounded nor composed better musically. His vocals and harmonica playing absolutely shine with strength aplenty.
Produced by Marlon McClain, Tony Braunagel and co-produced by Curtis, this recording features a band of power hitters whom Curtis himself coins as “the best in the biz”. Also known in music circles as “The Phantom Blues Band”, he’s backed by Tony Braunagel on drums, bassist Larry Fulther, and Joe Sublett playing sax, Johnny Lee Schell playing guitar and Mike Finnegan on keyboards on all the tracks. In addition, on a number of tracks, he’s got Jon Cleary on piano, Les Lovitt, trumpet, Michito Sanchez adding percussion, and Marlon McClain, Jacob Wolf and Jeff Golub providing additional guitar work.
The entire album, ‘Clean Getaway’, is a beautifully balanced blend of blues, soul and funky rock, mixed with highlights of Curtis’s sensational singing and brilliant harmonica playing – his unmistakable trademark style. Highlights include the title song, ‘Clean Getaway’, an original co-written by Curtis. A funky, 70’s style song, the lyrics describing taking a vacation from the everyday stresses of life – politics, religion, neighbours and the news.
Already a crowd pleaser when it’s performed live, ‘20 Years Of B.B. King’, is another original that the lyrics are so ingeniously written that while listening Curtis sing that “he’s learned more about the blues in two weeks with you than 20 years of B. B. King”, one doesn’t realize that the words sung are the titles of songs actually done by B.B. King. Then there is the very bluesy shuffle original, ‘What’s up with that’, asking the question, why are we arguing and fighting when we should be hugging and kissing? And the driving, rhythmic, ‘Alone’, written by Tommy Sims, a total Memphis style R&B in which Curtis’ harmonica and Mike Finnegan’s Hammond B3 playing cry with longing for his lover to come home.
Along with other originals, ‘Drivin’ In The Drivin’ Rain’, another Memphis style tune; the total love song, ‘My Confessions’, and ‘Heartache’ about a heartbreak he knew was coming from the beginning but was worth every minute, Curtis has put his own spin on several songs that are remakes of some of his long-time favourites. One of these in particular is a first-take perfectly done version of the very challenging, ‘Let’s Get Married’ by Al Green. Also covered amongst the others are vintage Tower of Power and Little Richard tunes.
Curtis is over the top with excitement of his work on this recording and all the creative energy put into it by all the aforementioned players. He says that “this work was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had in the studio - the whole time we were all either laughing or tracking - it was wonderful”. Curtis also states that he’s “out to perfect his craft and make great music”. Looks and sounds like he’s accomplished just that with this recording. Very much a feast for the ears that I’ll always enjoy listening to.
Tracklist
01. Clean Getaway
02. Both Sorry Over Nothin’
03. Who’s Lovin’ You
04. My Confessions
05. What’s Up With That
06. Alone
07. I Don’t Want To Discuss It
08. 20 Years of B.B. King
09. Heartache
10. Let’s Get Married
11. Drivin’ In the Drivin’ Rain
12. Bottle of Red Wine
Line-up
Curtis Salgado: Vocals, Harmonica
Tony Braunagel: Drums
Johnny Lee Schell: Guitars
Mike Finnigan: Keyboards
Larry Fulcher: Bass
Joe Sublett: Saxophone
Website
http://www.myspace.com/mmmfmusic
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9
{jos_sb_discuss:19}
Comments powered by CComment