The authenticity and musical skill of Earl are required to do a lot of heavy lifting because his lyrical skills are average. The blues hasn't had many tales about being a descendant of a Holocaust survivor, a story that deserves better than rhyming "blues" with "6 million Jews." Still, there's something poignant about the song despite the lacking deftness in the words.
Earl recruited longtime friend Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds) to sing on three of the album's vocal tracks, with Dave Keller taking the other two, including an uplifting cover of Bob Dylan's "What Can I Do For You?" (from Saved).
Those not into "message" blues need not worry. There's more to this album than its message, although Living In The Light sets itself apart from many blues recordings by having one. There are several instrumental tracks that allow Earl to stretch out and play, showering listeners with his incredible skill as a guitarist. Even the tracks with lyrics give him ample time to play, and there can really be no such thing as too much Ronnie Earl guitar. "S.O.S.," clocking in at over nine minutes, is passionate, soulful work serving up the hard-boiled blues. "River Charles Blues" is an easy shuffle with gliding guitar. "Recovery Blues" is slow and meditative, with wonderful organ work from Dave Limina and Earl powerfully punctuating each line. "Pastorale" is simple, delicate, and one of the loveliest compositions Earl has ever committed to tape.
Ronnie Earl is a special artist and Living In The Light is another compelling chapter in a career filled with them.
Article comments
1 - MarkSaleski
nice review josh. yeah, the thing about Earl is that he's a fabulous guitar player (so soulful), has a great message AND he's an incredibly humble man.
2 - Vernice Jones
Well said, Josh.
That's it exactly.
3 - Lefty
Ronnie features Dave Keller (singer, songwriter/guitarist) on the lead track. About.com listed Dave as one of six blues artists to watch in 2010. Ronnie's fans would do well in checking out Dave Keller's new CD Play for Love. More soul singing and crisp guitar playing a la Ronnie.