Change Our Ways
Root Doctor is finally starting to be recognized as one of the hottest bands on the international blues landscape. They've gotten solid press from the UK to France and Italy, to Wyoming, New York and Detroit -- and the accolades are all well earned.
This is a fantastic band. On their new disc, Change Our Ways (Big O Records), from the spectacular Albert King-inspired opener, "Blues Will Take Care Of You," to the funky "Keep Our Business Off the Streets" to the gospel and soul drenched "Lucky One," lead vocalist Freddie Cunningham and his mates don't just impress, they knock this listener right over.
"People Say" reminds more than a dab of the Meters, the original source of this killer funk tune, with a dash of Sly & The Family Stone thrown in the mix. Guitarist Greg Nagy shines on "Big Blue Cadillac," with bassist supreme James Williams and rock steady drummer Rick Bole laying a foundation thick enough to support a Mack truck. Keyboardist Jim Alfredson, who serves as the musical director of the band, serves up some sizzling B-3 here, too, and the guesting Motor City Horns burn it up on this track and elsewhere.
This one will definitely make my year-end Top 10 list. Whew!
--- Mark E. Gallo Blues Bytes Jan 2008
www.bluenight.com/BluesBytes/wn0108.html
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