Soul Doctor
Gulf Coast, 2019
8/10
A veteran singer-songwriter who can handle a saxophone like no other, on this 4th solo effort the legendary Jimmy Carpenter is in great company, including Cameron Tyler, Chris Tofield, and Nick Schnebelen, among many others.
“Soul Doctor”, a collaboration with Guy Hale, starts the listen indeed soulful as blues guitars and gritty yet melodic vocal guide the fun, and “When I Met You” follows with a breezy, jangly feel of grooves amid the harmonies from Carrie Stowers.
Near the middle, “Love It So Much” glides with strong percussion and spirited horns on the rhythmic and funky rocker, while “Need Your Love So Bad”, a Little Willie John tune, recruits proficient guitar licks in the restrained, powerful setting. “One Mint Julip”, one of the album’s best, then offers an energetic display of brass prowess in the instrumental Coasters classic.
Near the end, the organs of Red Young on “Lofi Roulette” emit a big of prog-influence, and “Yeah Man” ends the listen with a timeless formula of rhythm and emotion in an upbeat exit to a glorious listen.
An artist who has been active since the ‘80s, Carpenter has played in many bands across several genres, and here he brings his vast skill and experience to an incredible display of contemporary blues.
Travels well with: Mike Zito- A Tribute To Chuck Berry; The Believers- I’m Your Prisoner