Dog Eat Dog
Gulf Coast, 2019
8/10
The blues soul singer Billy Price returns with another batch of spirited tunes, where congas and backing vocals illuminate the setting as guest appearances from Mike Zito, Alabama Mike and Rick Estrin add greatly to the affair.
“Working On Your Chain Gang” starts the listen with fluid guitar work, bright horns and crisp percussion as Price’s smooth pipes guide the fun, and “Lose My Number” follows with moody keys in a calmer setting of groove filled songwriting where atmosphere is key.
Further along, “My Love Will Never Die”, an Otis Rush classic, finds a warm, bluesy place to reside with strong vocal work from Price, while “All Night Long Café” recruits backing vocals and some funk on the album highlight. Elsewhere, “Remnants”, a collaboration with French Guitarist Fred Chapellier, benefits greatly from piano on the cozy and hazy tune.
Deeper cuts bring us the R&B flavored “Same Old Heartaches”, and “You Gotta Leave” finishes the listen with a playful dynamic as all the instruments work synergistically amid cautious melodies in the memorable exit.
A 2016 Blues Music Award Winner, Price again illustrates just why he’s worthy of such accolades, as his expressive and rich pipes sound better than ever on Dog Eat Dog.
Travels well with: Jimmy Carpenter- Soul Doctor; Roy Buchanan- That’s What I’m Here For