Rating:
Genre:
Blues
Release Date: 06/29/2004
Recorded on an off night during a European tour in 1991, this is a warts and all, no overdubs, unplugged session that captures the father and son duo at their most uninhibited. Basically,
Carey and
Lurrie Bell sat down in a studio in Kouvola, Finland, let the tapes roll for three hours, and this is the result. Why the finished product languished for 14 years in tour manager/co-producer
Chip Covington's closet is unclear, but
Alligator's long delayed yet welcome 2004 release shows the timeless quality of this deep
Delta blues. The songs are sung by both guitarist son
Lurrie and harpist dad
Carey, and range from well-worn
standards such as
"Rock Me" (featuring a stunning
acoustic guitar solo),
"Key to the Highway," and
"Five Long Years," to originals that follow established
blues patterns. It's a relatively low-key performance, but the twosome show a natural affinity for each other. The result is a subtle, unhurried but not lethargic set. It sounds like the pair weren't aware that the final product would ever be released, which is likely the case. Both are fiery players but neither hog the spotlight, making this a particularly homey disc that will appeal to any fan of
acoustic blues. The sound quality is so well defined it sounds like they are sitting in your room, which adds to the
country-styled ambiance of this quiet gem.
~Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide
;)
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