Just in case you've overlooked it in the past year or so, BlueNotes is a big fan of blue-eyed soul music. Maybe it's partly his own baby blues, maybe it's partly his own soulful self, but mainly, it's because the blue-eyed version is a reflection of the fine, classic and unique American soul music, which sits somewhere between the blues, gospel, R&B and a little rock 'n' roll.
There have been lots of fine blue-eyed soul guys over the years, and the Burgh has been blessed for several decades with one of its own, and one of the best -- Billy Price. He's been a fixture in the region since forming his first real band, the Rhythm Kings at State College in the mid-70s -- and probably before that.
His work in recent years has become sharper and more polished, but without losing the essential grit of the music he favors -- and that seems to favor him.
He's been working recently with French blues guitarist Fred Chapellier, after Price recorded a song on a tribute album that Chapellier made to Roy Buchanan, with whose band Billy did journeyman's work in 1973, even though "I hated Buchanan's music," Price told interviewer Toby Thompson in 2000.
Price did a French tour with Chapellier last year, and they appeared together a couple times in Pittsburgh, where they were working on a new CD for the French blues label, Dixiefrog. I caught one of their shows, at the Thunderbird Cafe, and was impressed. Fred's bluesy guitar added a new kick to an already tight and tough band,
All of this is just a typically long-winded BlueNotes approach to that new CD, "Night Work," which won't officially be avaiable until March 12, or maybe sooner, if you can find it on Price's website. Meanwhile, Billy was kind enough to provide me with an advance copy, which I've been listening to, and enjoying very much.
"Night Work" is filled with Price's always-soulful music, complete with his usual tight and hornful band, all enhanced by Chapellier's crisp, bluesy work. Also contributing to the fun: soulman and Price inspiration Otis Clay, and harpman Mark Wenner of the Nighthawks. There are tracks from some fine writers, inluding Pittsburgh's Mike Sweeney, Jon and Sally Tiven, and fine covers of O.V. Wright and Al Green, including Clay's gritty take on Green's "Love and Happiness."
The CD opens with "Smart Money," written by Price and Chapellier, and features Billy singing in a lower and softer register than you usually find in his club work, where testimony is more the order of the night. The tone adds intimacy and warmth, against the bite of Chapellier's guitar work. Here's a sample:
One of my favorite cuts is the title track, a fine Mike Sweeney tune on the virtues of life after dark, featuring a sensuous Wenner harp and some tough Price singing. Try it on:
I don't mean to overlook Chapellier's guitar work here. He's a strong presence throughout, whether filling in around the vocals, or nailing biting solos that range from soulful to bluesy. Here's a sample from another favorite track, "Don't Let My Baby Ride":
I'm a fan of all of Billy Price's work, and love his live shows, but I think this might be one of his best albums. And he's produced some good ones.
Chapellier should be back to perform with Price again this spring, Don't miss them. And get your order in early for "Night Work." Here's the track list:
- Smart Money
- My Love Comes Tumbling Down
- Night Work
- Don't Let My Baby Ride
- When the Lights Came On
- Love and Happiness
- Who You're Working For
- Under the Influence
- The Wrong Woman
- O.V. Wright
- All the Love in the World
- Champagne Blues and Pittsburgh Soul
- Skunk Shuffle
A BeerNotes note
In addition to being inspired by sweet soul music, this post is deeply indebted to the equally sweet, luxurious and libationist Dogfish Head Santo Palo Marron beer. And beer props to Fred, the fabulous barman at Jernigan's Tobacco Village Scotch and Cigar Bar for turning me on to the Santo Palo. (Yes, contrary to his professionally sedate image, BeerNotes can get turned on.)
Posted
Jan 13 2009, 01:30 AM
by
Jim White