The River’s Invitation
Broken String, 2021
8/10
Listen to The River’s Invitation
A longtime player in the Memphis scene, guitarist, songwriter and producer Robert Allen Parker offers us a large handful of his gritty and powerful song craft, where singers like Kennard Farmer, Candice Ivory, Chris Stephenson and others are on hand for the diverse listen.
Parker gets the listen off to an exciting start with the chunky and elegant “The Sound Of A Revolution”, where his flowing guitar acrobatics are met with incendiary drumming amid a very distinct brand of roots sounds. Further on, the psychedelic, blues rock of “My Mind Comes From A High Place” flows with rugged, soulful vocals from Farmer, and “Skydog”, a tribute to Duane Allman, brings eastern influences into the acoustic guitar fueled beauty that also benefits from cultured drumming and spirited electric guitar.
Deep album highlights include the sublime balladry of the soulful “Speed Of Light”, while the rockin’ and rhythmic “Wolf Man” will get your body moving with its punchy and energetic delivery. “And The Song Goes On Forever”, a particularly noteworthy track, then gets funky, playful and colorful as bright brass and intricate guitar work cultivate some classic rock nods, too.
A very muscular, careful and meticulous affair, fans of all kinds of rock’n’roll and even jam bands will be enamored here, as Parker lives up to the praise that legends like Luther Dickinson and Gary Clark Jr. are deservedly throwing his way.
Travels well with: North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling; New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Fighters- Volume 1