Page 32 - BiTS_06_JUNE_2021

REVIEWS

AJ Fullerton—The Forgiver and the Runaway—VizzTone

AJ Fullerton is a young blues and roots, singer/songwriter and

guitarist from Colorado USA.

His new album opens with ‘Remind Me Who I Am Again’, some
nice Rhodes electric piano here which leads into an easy feel
gospel sound. ‘Healing Takes Time’ is a nice soulful tune with a
Booker T and the MG’s feel about it and AJ’s slide guitar is
somewhat reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt in style. ‘Could’ve Been

Mine’ introduces some honky-tonk piano and harmonica, there is a
bit of a Ry Cooder feel on this one.

The title track ‘The Forgiver and the Runaway’ has a great edgy opening with strong percussion and
a great guitar vibe which provides a platform for some excellent soulful vocals. It’s strong and
bluesy and holds your interest, I really liked this one. On ‘Wish You’d Tell Me’ AJ opens up with
some great guitar chops whilst the pedal steel guitar on ‘Homesick’ gives out more of a country feel.

The album closes with ‘Hooks in the Water’ a great little acoustic country blues with some lovely
harmonica accompaniment.

AJ Fullerton has crafted some lovely songs here and displayed prowess with the guitar that is both
understated yet powerful at the same time. His voice is both bluesy and soulful and has a gentle
calming reassurance about it that makes it so pleasant to listen to. This album flows and actually
feels like an album as opposed to a collection of songs, so credit must go to Steve Marriner for the

great production work. This is a great album and I recommend you give it a spin.

Ged Wilson

Clare Free—Call Trade Descriptions—Independent Release
(Single)

Clare Free is well known on the blues circuit both as a solo artist
and with her full electric band.

‘Call Trade Descriptions’ is the new single from her electric band
featuring Jamie Kruppa on bass and Dave Jackson on drums who
together really tie the rhythm section down to create this tight
upbeat funky offering.

Clare’s unique vocals are on it with passion and feeling as she
tells us the tale of how she has been short changed with her man

but where Clare really excels is with her guitar work. She has such a lovely guitar tone that you
don’t tire of listening to and the tight funky chops are measured and let the lead lines flow.

There is a freshness about this song, it has a modern day urban Chicago blues club feel about it and
that ain’t a bad thing! Clare seems to be hitting her stride right now and I can’t wait for her next
release. Give this a spin.

Ged Wilson