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reminds one of B.B. King. A mellow harmonica and slowly rolling piano underpin an enjoyable tale of women
who are able to easily release the inner ‘wild man.’ On “Memphis Light,” the slow rolling mournful harmonica
and despairing vocals of Tomislav evoke raw emotions at the loss of a great friend but, also reflect upon the
uplifting music from the birthplace of Rock’n’Roll and the home of the effortless ‘easy rolling’ soul.

On a lighter note the rollicking instrumental “Country Bag” evolved from a spontaneous jam and it certainly
sounds like an invigorating chase scene from a western movie.

Greatly endorsed!

Brian Harman.

Frank Bey — All My Dues Are Paid — Nola Blue Records NB 010

Frank Bey was born in Millen, Georgia in nineteen forty-six. Four years
later he began his musical career as part of the family gospel group ‘The
Rising Sons’ with his brother and two cousins. As well as live
performances, the group took part in radio broadcasts but, at the age of
seventeen he began his musical apprenticeship working for the Otis
Redding Revue, firstly, as a driver but, later gaining the opportunity to
perform in front of the audience before Otis took the stage. He stayed
with the revue for a number of years. In the early seventies he formed
the funk band Moorish Vanguard, but sadly, a record deal with James
Brown fell apart and shortly afterwards Frank retired from the business.

At the age of fifty Frank resumed his career but kidney failure caused him again to pause for a period of eleven
years. After moving to San Francisco in 2008, he teamed up with Anthony Paule. The Bey/Paule band recorded
three albums resulting in him receiving three Blues Music Award nominations. Frank’s last album released
in 2019 entitled ‘Back in Business’ received two more 2019 BMA nominations.

The album was recorded at Greaseland Studios in San Jose, with Kid Andersen in the producer’s chair. The
thirteen numbers here are as diverse as they are entertaining, a fine example is the opening number “Idle
Hands,” originally recorded by the Eddie Palmieri led Latin Soul Fusion band Harlem River Drive in 1971.
Their bass player then was Jerry Jemmott and he is playing a fierce bass line here too. Joining him are: Jim
Pugh; organ and Rhodes, Alex Pettersen; drums, Martin Winstad; percussion, Kid Andersen; guitar, Lisa
Leuschner Andersen; background vocals, the horn section includes, Nancy Wright and Eric Spaulding on
tenor saxophones, Jack Sanford; on baritone saxophone and John Halbleib on trumpet. Franks’ arresting
baritone delivers an attractive narration to this fiery funk and soul fusion, which concerns the continuing
fight for civil rights. Arnie Cottrell

The title number “All My Dues Are Paid,” is a summation of Frank’s life so far, the strident horns and funkin’
Memphis soul blues infused bubbling organ and guitar create a splendid groove for Frank’s engaging baritone
to deliciously glide over the proceedings. Arthur Alexander’s “If It’s Really Got To Be This Way,” is a delightful
lilting and mellow Malaco inspired, bass and B3 led slowburner, with Frank providing a sympathetic and
understanding vocal on this tale of lost love. On the George Jones standard “He Stopped Loving Her Today,”
Frank delivers a stunning emotion-filled vocal, with ease, sophistication and poise pouring from the speakers.

Lou Reed’s subtle piano ballad “Perfect Day,” has been interpreted as a lilting and surging gospel fuelled ballad
that is not too far away from the original, but now seems to contain greater depth and meaning.