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Shawn Amos, provide caustic vocals and a chugging train harmonica on a blackly humorous piece
that is very reminiscent of one Lou Reed. The Reverend Gary Davis song ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright!’
brings us back to earth, with a gentle feeling of the faithful gathering for a soul affirming prayer
meeting.
Greatly endorsed!
Brian Harman
Jimmie Bratcher—I’m Hungry—Ain’t Skeert Tunes
Jimmie’s passion for a raw, demanding electric guitar sound
emerged in the 60’s after discovering Eric Clapton. Growing up
in a musical family in Kansas City he was exposed to varying
forms of music, allowing him to develop widely eclectic musical
tastes. After discovering the music of Albert King, B.B. King, and
various other great bluesmen his guitar skills improved but, in
his early 20’s when he began to make a mark in the music world,
drink and drugs destroyed his career and marriage to Sherrie.
They later re-married but, the preacher performing the
ceremony insisted that Jimmie forsake music in favour of his
wife and religion. So, he put down his guitar for 20 years and he later became a fully ordained
preacher himself. After receiving a Fender Telecaster from his son Jason in 1997 he chose to become
a travelling preacher, utilising his guitar skills to engage his congregations. This activity re-
energised his passion and he released his first album entitled ‘Honey In the Rock', in 2001. Since
then he has released 12 albums and 2 DVDs gaining the moniker of ‘The Electric Rev’.
The term ‘Soul Food', nowadays applies to almost anything you want but, here Jimmie focuses
solely upon the edible type. Joining Jimmie who takes lead vocals and guitar are; Craig Kew; bass,
Terry Hancock; drums and Aaron Mayfield; B3 and keyboards. 10 of the 12 numbers here are
original Jimmie compositions. Once you can get past the sensuous tributes and glorification of
culinary delights and stop being a refugee from a ‘weight watchers’ meeting you will find some
rather tasty (sorry) music. Little Milton‘s 1969 Checker Soul classic ‘Grits Ain’t Groceries', is
splendidly re-worked as a rough and urging Texas shuffle, the stinging guitar and burning B3 are
more than a match for the Rev’s raw urging vocals.
‘Happy', is a very tight and hugely enjoyable driving Jazz/rock instrumental, where the guitar leads
and B3 and rhythm section urge each other on. ‘I love her Name', is quite simply a blistering piano-
led roller courtesy of John Selle, with guitar, bass and drums racing on, while over the top the Rev’s
vocals growl away. ‘Bacon Is On My Mind', is a rather good, suffocating, slow burning, piano
rolling, tramping ode to swine. Another slow cooker is the late night smouldering (culinary
romantic,) ballad ‘Baby, I Like What Your Cooking', Keb’ Mo’s ‘Government Cheese', is an enjoyable
slice of the seventies, with its sultry, funky, strutting pace, bubbling organ work and inviting,
flowing guitar.
Greatly Endorsed!
Brian Harman