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An intriguing set – blues-rock but with plenty of other things going on too.

Norman Darwen

Patti Parks Featuring Johnny Rawls – Come Sing with Me –
Vizztone VT-PP02

(www.vizztone.com)

Singer Patti Parks makes some rather fine records; her previous
release, “Whole Nother World” was produced in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana by bluesman Kenny Neal, who also featured on all the
tracks. This time around she has teamed up with soul-blues
singer Johnny Rawls, recorded in Buffalo, New York, and the
result is something of a gem!

Johnny produced the album, is responsible too for the horn ar-
rangements, supplied two songs (on both of which he duets with Patti) and plays guitar on the
last three numbers of the set. Right from the off, it is obvious this is going to be a good ‘un: ‘I’m
In Love With You Baby’ is a lovely soul duet, with that characteristic southern lilt of Johnny’s
style and both singers obviously having fun. ‘A Lotta Man’ is another good-natured, good time
soul number. Soul balladry par excellence comes courtesy of ‘One Foot Out The Door’ and ‘Why’.

There are fine blues such as ‘I’m Sorry’ or the tougher-sounding ‘Hamburger Man’ (with
Richard Rosenblatt on blues harp), and ‘DJ’s Boogie’, a powerhouse boogie-woogie item with
guest Anthony Geraci really burning up the ivories. The last couple of tracks are ’How Much
Longer’ - the other duet with Johnny Rawls - and again a beautiful soul-blues performance,
before ‘Good Day For The Blues’ hits a lovely blues groove – a great way to end an extremely
enjoyable set.

Not a track here less than well worth a listen. Definitely recommended!

Norman Darwen

The Wicked Lo-down– Out of Line – Gulf Coast

(www.thewickedld.com)

My, but this is a rather fine rocking album from Mike Zito’s label.
The Wicked Lo-Down is a five-piece outfit based on America’s
east coast, but sounding rather like they have just come out of a
rough Texas juke-joint in the late fifties. It helps maybe that their
blurb mentions Frankie Lee Sims, one of my favourite but often-
overlooked Lone Star State bluesmen.

Try a track like ‘The Wildest One (Lester’s Boogie)’, wildly up

tempo distorted vocals, and leader Nick David’s blues-wailing
harp to the fore. Or maybe the vintage rock and roll sound of ‘Marchin’ On’, or more or less pick