It’s incredible to think that this is Reese Wynans first ever solo album – for Pete’s sake, his list of credits include the greatest array of talent you could ever imagine and he is a Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame member for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan.
I’ve been enjoying watching his playing in Joe Bonamassa’s band for a few years (Bonamassa produced this as well as guesting) and I knew a lot of his history including stints with Jerry Jeff Walker, Buddy Guy, Willie Nelson, Carole King, Doug Sahm, Joe Ely and – a personal favourite this – Captain Beyond.
So. Not exactly a spring chicken then. And it shows, not in sounding old or weary, but with a fabulous depth of energy and a variety of styles that all centre around his stunning Hammond B3 and Piano.
The bakers dozen of tracks touch down on Blues, soul, Gospel, rock & roll, you name it. And it all works.
Many, many favourite numbers here from the opener ‘Crossfire’ featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Jack Pearson of guitars, to a rollicking ‘The Shape I’m In’ with Shepherd and Noah Hunt on vocals and Wynans kicking off on honky tonk piano or then there is a stone cold Blues in ‘So Much Trouble’ with Joe Bonamassa on guitar and vocals. My favourite track is the title number: a beautiful and passionate Blues with Davis Bramnhall II on lead guitar and a whole series of vocalists including Keb Mo, Paulie Cerra, Warren Haynes, Bonnie Bramlett …
One of those albums that really seem to capture dozens of musicians playing for the fun of it all and giving their energy without reservation.
Definitely one to cue up and start again as soon as the last notes of ‘Blackbird’ – Wynans on Grand Piano on his own – fade away.
