Soars High (label)
08 March 2019 (released)
19 March 2019
This album covers a remarkable range of genres and forms and I have to say, they are all good.
Soars won the 2009 Memphis Blues Challenge (along with the Albert King award as best guitarist) and through the 15 tracks on this album he shows just why he is so highly rated in the Blues community.
Every track seems to have a different feel but none of them are weak or could be considered ‘filler’ and his guitar playing is just outstanding.
He kicks off in a strong The Band mood with ‘Ain’t No Dania Beach’ featuring a strong guitar line and the kind of groove that is rare and wonderful these days and then brings the heavy funk on ‘Sure As Hell Ain’t Fooling Me’, taking on a Dr John rasp in his vocals and another brilliant guitar solo.
The title track has a Duane Eddy/Dick Dale guitar lick against a rapid surf beat and it’s all you can d to keep from searching out your board for a quick tube. ‘Shining Through The Dark’ heads into a soul place and he even goes to a soft and studied Mississippi groove with ‘Alabama Beach Party’.
There are only two covers on the album – Albert King’s ‘When You Walk Out That Door’ and Muddy Waters ‘Deep Down Florida’ – and both are played brilliantly but don’t really stand out against his own material, such is the strength of his own writing.
The whole album is just one bit of fun after another and there isn’t a point where you think he is working at it – this sounds like a man having a great time.
Definitely one of the best things I’ve heard this year – love to see him over here some time.
