Medication Time
Dixie Frog, 2022
9/10
The veteran guitarist and singer-songwriter Todd Sharpville goes back 16 years to a time when he spent 2 months in a mental hospital due to a messy break up for these 9 originals and 3 covers of timeless and sturdy blues rock tunes.
“Walk Out In The Rain” opens the listen with Sharpville’s powerful and gritty pipes complemented by firm keys and thick drumming, as calm moments meet rugged blues rock, and “Get Outta My Way” follows with an energetic and thumping display that benefits much from bright brass and an animated rhythm section that allows Sharpville’s expressive voice to shine.
“Brothers From Another Mother” lands in the middle, and recruits Larry McCray for the spirited and flowing duet, while the title track trims the pace back with a sublime intimacy that’s quite poetic in its slow burning demeanor.
Close to the end, the lively, festive rocker “Stand Your Ground” showcases plenty of horn interaction amid the busy and dynamic textures, and “I Don’t Need To Know Your Name” exits the listen in very soulful territory, where a stirring cautiousness is present and appreciated.
Sharpville brings a wealth of experience and talent to this listen, and 30 years after his debut was released he proves that his skills haven’t waned one bit on this aptly titled and memorable record.
Travels well with: Dave Weld & Imperial Flames- Nightwalk; Henry Gray & Bob Corritore- Cold Chills