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The opener, ‘Sweet Memphis Man’, is fully immersed in the relaxing, piano rolling
atmosphere of said man; meanwhile the lazily uplifting and gently rising horns
infuse a happy party feel. A change of pace is delivered with the gospel infused
crowd chanting ‘Come On People’, tub thumping percussion urges us on while
Gayle’s spirit filled vocals splendidly merge with an infectiously lone trumpet,
backed with snarling guitar and organ work. ‘Baby We’re Through’, is a prowling
organ and percussion dominated tale of a failed relationship, Gayle’s powerful
vocals emphasise the ache and pain of perceived inadequacy. A fine morality tale
is told in the darkly sweet, prowling hymn ‘Temptation’, where a woman is con-
flicted, saying, the Devil has her body and the Lord has her heart.
A riotously infectious New Orleans romp is delivered with ‘In The Deep Dark
Night’, Gayle’s strong, sweet gospel vocal splendidly merges with a ripe rolling
organ and punching trumpet, this good time Gospel rolling feeling is continued
with the organ popping and swinging horns of ‘Bring Me Along’. The mournful
combination of a Delta immersed wistful harmonica and lonesome acoustic guitar
underpins Gayle’s dominant vocal on the splendid ‘Waiting In The Shadows’.
‘You’re Gonna Miss Me’, is simply, a very strident rocker, Gayle delivers a confident-
ly strong driving vocal, telling the tale of a man who stupidly doesn’t appreciate a
good thing when he had it! ‘God Laughed’, is a thoughtful rolling percussion and
horn driven rumba, concerning poor life choices and verbal self chastising. The
album finishes with the ballad ‘Beautiful Friend’, a slow Country infused, acousti-
cally driven uplifting ode to a friend who doesn’t believe they are of any worth.
Well worth the shilling!
Brian Harman
Rhythm Krewe—Unfinished Business—Rhombus
Records RHO 7152
The Rhythm Krewe were originally formed in 1990, by
Southern Californian, guitarist and vocalist Steve Zel-
man, playing as Floyd & The Flyboys. Now, for this their
debut album they go under the name of Rhythm Krewe
who consists of: Steve Zelman; guitars and vocals, Gary
Coppola; background vocals, Chris Rhyne and Jim Blaz-
er; piano and organ, Dave Grover and Steve Nelson,
bass; Danny Pucillo Jr. and Gary Ferguson on drums.
Horns are supplied by Roy Wiegand; trumpet, Chris Mostert and Mike Nelson;
tenor saxophone, Chris Jennings; baritone saxophone and Ira Nepus, Chuck Hugh-
es and Steve Baxter; trombones. Together, they assembled at the JoMamma studios
in Woodland Hills, California to create an attractively rich blend of smooth 50s
New Orleans Rhythm and Blues, similar to which can be found on such classic
labels as R.P.M. and Modern.