 This is blues artist Tommy Ray O'Dell's newest album. He opens with "Our Light" and his distinctive style is obvious. On the song, and the album, he has more background vocals than usual. The catchy "Didn't It Rain [Children]" seems to capture his real blues and spiritual essence. The music has an authentic sense, like a small jam session with some Big singers. "Old School" is a song that has some nice guitar work. The singing is nuanced and emotive. Interesting stuff.
His hardish blues on "King of Sorrow" captures his gutsy voice. This is blues/gospel at its best. Then on "God Never Gave Up" we get nice finger work on that guitar. He has a Dylanesque sense and here he reminds of those few Dylan blues/gospel moments. Matter of fact, the vocal sounds alot like ol' ZIMMY. The lyrics here are excellent and the singers display some strong vocalizing. Great stuff!
Other songs are "What You Cannot Buy" which gives us a soulful blues aura. On cut #7 the message is simple with the gutsy female lead vocal. "Gypsy" is a classy, somewhat brooding song that immediately became a favorite. The singing is very laid back, at first kind of hard to pick up, but the soft, near whispery vocal has much to offer if we will listen. I loved the sax-like trumpet.
I am impressed with this artist who needs to be discovered by the world. "Daddy Don't Need No Shot" is a cut that says that only love can get us high. He lists a whole array of drugs, narcotics, and booze, then says that only love is the cure. The song is light-hearted instead of preachy, but there is a message there. Then comes the cleverly titled "Cornbread and Beans" and the fiery "Shake This World." The latter has a female souful, blues'd out lead voice.
The CD closes with "Still Standing" which has a different feel than the other tracks. Here he waxes poetic and talks/'raps' with a female vocalist. This guy is impressive and his music is unique in the world of CCM. There are only a handful of this kind of blues cds out there.
This album is a gem, a must for those who like rough-rustic soulful blues playing and singing, tinged with a gospel sense.
-The Critics Review |
