Eric Gales
A Tribute to LJK
***and1/2 out of *****
For his newest album, blues guitar slinger Eric Gales focused on a place as close to his heart as he could get, a tribute to his brother who passed away too young. A Tribute to LJK is dedicated to Emmanuel Gales also known as Little Jimmy King, a strong bluesman in his own right and someone who Eric always looked up to. Working with a solid band and a host of A-list blues guests, Gale has crafted a strong album that his big brother would be proud of.
Gales co-produced the album with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith and nine out of the ten songs here are Little Freddie King originals as it kicks off with the Memphis blues, big horns and ripping guitar of "You Shouldn't Have Left Me" starting the tribute on a very high note.
The funky blues of "Rockin' Horse Ride" gets an extra bounce to the ounce when Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (who has mentioned he was influenced by LJK) comes onboard to add get down strums to the jam while "Guitar Man" is just as it's title suggests letting Gales go all out. Bonamassa joins Gales on the party all night song "Don't Wanna Go Home" as chunky/clean guitars trade licks and dynamite solos that stand out on an album full of great guitar playing.
This style of blues isn't as effective when it slows down on a few numbers like "Something Inside of Me" and "Worried Man" however the playing on both is still stout. Efforts like the upbeat "Baby Baby" finds Gales more at home with wah-wah work, horns and a funky get down vibe that cooks. Bonamassa and Smith both help out on the BB King influenced "It Takes A Whole Lot of Money" while "Blues Been Good To Me" is the best full band effort that uses popping drums, hip shaking groove, horns and electro keys.
The record wraps up with more special guests as Buddy Guy and Roosevelt Collier join Gales for "Somebody" which uses acoustic/electric guitars to end the album on an emotional note. The legendary Guy had a history of playing with Little Jimmy King and his participation here brings things full circle.
A soulful, well produced tribute from Eric Gales for his fallen brother, A Tribute to LJK is a dynamite slice of soul shaking blues that will live on.
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