Go, Just Do It!
Stony Plain, 2020
8/10
The veteran artist Kenny Wayne sure knows a thing or two about the blues, and here he offers us 13 originals, including a pair of Percy Mayfield tunes arranged by him, as well as one by JJ Cale.
“Just Do It!” starts the listen with plenty of energy as soulful vocals from Dawn Watson and playful rhythms populate the funky setting, and this continues to the smooth, flowing melodies of “You Did A Number On Me”, as well as the key heavy atmosphere of the charming “Sittin’ In My Rockin’ Chair”.
In the middle the swinging fun of “Motor Mouth Woman” is certainly one of the album’s best, although the funky ideas and organ fills of “I Don’t Want To Be President” are a close second. Elsewhere, the harmonica prowess of Sherman Doucette on “They Call Me The Breeze” is immediately memorable.
Close to the end, “That’s The Way She Is” moves with a bluesy flavor of timelessness, and “Let The Rock Roll” exits the listen busy, highly tuneful and full of enticing instrumentation as acrobatic keys lead the way.
Wayne has been the recipient of a Juno Award, and now in his mid ‘70s, his skills don’t seem to be diminishing as he proves just why he’s considered one of the masters of modern day blues and boogie-woogie.
Travels well with: Diane Schuur- Running On Faith; Rick Vito- Soulshaker