Sharecropper’s Son
Easy Eye Sound, 2021
10/10
Even though Robert Finley had been playing guitar since the age of 11 and involved in various touring bands throughout his life, his debut studio album in 2016 arrived when he was 62 years old. Discovered while busking, his gravelly singing and blues meets soul song craft is finally being laid down formally, and this 3rd album in 5 years is an autobiographical listen that surrounds Finley’s early years on a crop share in Louisiana.
The appropriately titled “Souled Out On You” starts the listen with Finley’s raspy, expressive pipes alongside firm piano and plenty of grit in the blues influenced climate, and this formula continues to the snappy, punchy and rhythmic “Make Me Feel Alright”, as well as the playful guitar work and inviting drumming of “Country Child”.
In the middle, “My Story” brings well timed brass, cultured guitar playing and Finley’s robust vocals to the gospel influenced climate, while “Starting To See” recruits some funk flavor amid the breezy melodies and ‘70’s spirit that’s as timeless as it is nostalgic.
Close to the end, “Better Than I Treat Myself” brings an upbeat and R&B friendly approach to the album highlight, and “All My Hope” exits the listen emotive, even spiritual, with soothing backing vocals adding even more appeal to Finley’s rugged yet tuneful vision.
Dan Auerbach is back working alongside Finley on this effort, and he again illuminates Finley’s inestimable formula of blues, rock, country, soul, R&B and southern swampy flavor that you can’t wait to hear again. Sure, he came into recorded music late in life, but Finley is making up for it with an unparalleled amount of quality that even landed him in the semi-finals on America’s Got Talent.
Travels well with: Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band- Dance Songs For The Hard Times; John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions