Floreada’s Boy
Catfood, 2024
9/10
The Texas bluesman Zac Harmon brings along his band, The Drive, plus others for these 12 new songs that look back on his formative years in Jackson, Mississippi.
“Babe And Ricky’s Inn” starts the listen with Harmon’s warm and slightly gritty voice amid intricate guitar and rhythmic drumming, and “Fake News” follows with a soulful quality, as fluid organ complements the expressive singing.
Moving into the middle, we’re treated to the romantic and intimate “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha”, while “Sugarman” is a bright and glorious moment of soaring horns, meticulous guitar and Harmon’s inviting voice.
Near to the end, “Never Have A Better Night” welcomes the LA Horns to the melodic and rich album highlight, and “Stop The Killing” exits with Caleb Quaye’s guitar acrobatics that suit the cautious singing of the careful blues finish which uses exceptional female backing vocals.
A record of authentic and timeless blues spirit, Harmon’s vocals, guitar and bass are top notch, and the lengthy list of musicians present sure to help make this a superb blues, soul and gospel outing.
Travels well with: Chris BadNews Barnes- Badnews Travels Fast; Eric Bibb- In The Real World