Product Description
Rarely does one give an unequivocal recommendation on first listening, but I have no hesitation in giving this the just buy it seal of approval. From the start, this brilliant album exhibits all that is great about US rock. From the wonderful guitar solos and smooth vocals of Michigan-based band leader Rusty Wright, through the harmonies and vocals of his wife Laurie LaCross Wright, classic keyboard accompaniment torock solid rhythms and occasional horns parts, this is simply marvelous. In all styles, whether it is southern rock ( World Upside Down ), Blues ballads ( Messin Round and Make A Liar Out Of Me ), blistering Aerosmith-type rock ( Last Day Of Whitey Malone ), done-me-wrong Blues ( You Ain t Thinkin Bout Me ) or the sensational energy of What A Ride , this band has all the chops. Lynyrd Skynyrd s influence is plain to see in a A Change In The Weather , so much so, I half expected to hear Van Zant s vocals! The blistering rave-up conclusion is the title track of the album. This truly is powerful stuff! --Blues Matters Magazine - UK
Rusty Wright Band is not very known in Finland, but a very popular live act in their home country. Also, they have been very high on Midnight Special Blues Radio s playlist. The band consists of Rusty Wright (guitar, vocals), Laurie Cross-Wright (guitar, vocals), Andy Barancik (bass), Pete Haist (drums), Dave Brache (keyboards) ja Eddie Lester (sax). They say their music is like a mixture that comes when Bonnie Raitt meets Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top at Allman Brothers Garden party. And to me RWB sounds like that. If you like any of those you should check out RWB, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. The main idea of the band is that when they are on stage the party is on. Their huge stage presence can be heard and felt on this album. They have enough power to run a small village. The opening track which is Rusty and Laurie s duet kicks the show on. You can feel Stevie Ray Vaughan s shadow somewhere closeby. Stevie Ray played more guitar-based music and less keyboards, but keyboards are an important part of the RWB sound. The second track is an old sweaty boogie with lots of slide guitar. The track reminds me of early Allman Brothers albums. Rusty does most of the lead vocals, but Laurie does some lead vocals too. Her Messin round is one of the slower tracks. The title track goes on like a full speed train. I can hear something very familiar on this track, ... hmmn I think the riff could be from Jimmy Thackery s song Hang up & drive? You should not choose the best albums of the year in January, but this is definitely one of the top 10 cd s in my list. When the year begins with such a great album, I think we will have an excellent blues year. --Riku Metelinen, Blues Critic, Finland
