Mercy Me
Stonyplain, 2022
9/10
The guitar wizard and esteemed bluesman Ronnie Earl returns with his 28th career album, and his exceptional band The Broadcasters plus some guests are in attendance for the diverse originals and charming covers.
“Blow Wind Blow” starts the listen with lively piano from Anthony Geraci and playful drumming thanks to Forrest Padgett, as Diane Blue’s soaring and soulful pipes guide the warm blues rocker, and “Alabama” follows with Mark Earley’s baritone sax and Mario Perrett’s tenor sax making for a cautious yet atmospheric venture.
Elsewhere, “Blues For Duke Robilliard” trims the pace back to balladry with intricate guitar work from Earl and David Limina’s organ emitting a very mysterious landscape, while “Only You And I” recruits Paul Kochanski’s well timed backing vocals for the R&B tinted affair.
Approaching the end, “Coal Train Blues” showcases Peter Ward’s guitar prowess in the rhythmic album highlight, and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher” exits with some hints at gospel, where Tess Ferraiolo’s impressive vocal range suits the upbeat and melodic musicianship.
Earl pays tribute to legends like Muddy Waters, Dave Mason, Percy Mayfield and John Coltrane here, and the abundance of solos and unparalleled attention to detail make for another first rate listen in Earl’s incredible catalog of work.
Travels well with: Sue Foley- Pinky’s Blues; Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne- Blues From Chicago To Paris