He has just released his first album on his own Aria B G Records (named for his daughter) and Let's Talk About Love is 12 classic Blues love songs. Matthew Skoller who produced the album, writes in the liner notes that instead of talking about the troubles that have beset him throughout his life, Lurrie wanted to make a record that reflected the love that resided in his heart. With that in mind, they set out to find 12 "chestnuts" (his word not mine) that spoke to Lurrie the loudest. They took three months putting this disc together, getting the right people for the right songs, and making sure everything was just right.
If anybody ever had any questions about the talent of Lurrie Bell as either a guitarist or a vocalist, this album shows that the descriptions of him as one of the masters to be talked about in the same breath as other greats who have come out of Chicago aren't exaggerations. From the first song, title track "Let's Talk About Love" to the final cut on the disc, "Wine Headed Women" Lurrie shows he can handle any type of Blues style that's been invented with style and passion.
One of the other highlights of the disc are some the friends that stopped by to help out. "Earthquake And Hurricane" features the amazing harmonica playing of the great Billy Branch. They first played together years ago in a band made up of second generation Chicago Blues musicians, and they've played behind various other front people together on many occasions since then.
This time they've stepped up to the lead microphones and the results are awesome. The way Billy can make his harmonica work in counter point to Lurrie's voice is just wondrous, playing the high harmonies to Lurrie's alto. They trade solo's, guitar to harmonica, back again, until they finally join together like a meeting between two forces of nature so strong and natural is the sound.
On the very next song, Lurrie switches gears to play a soulful version of Papa Staples' "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)." This is the closest he comes to bemoaning his own fate on the disc, but it's such a glorious example of his great voice and amazing guitar that you can't help but feel lifted up by it.
Since it is a Gospel song encouraging listeners to keep their heads up in spite of everything, it makes sense. But the fact that he can communicate those feelings with the tone of his voice and the notes he plays on his guitar even while asking why he was treated so bad, is testament to what a glorious talent he brings to the table.
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