Supergroove
VizzTone, 2020
9/10
The Israel Ambassador of the Blues, Andy Watts brings his inimitable guitar prowess to this very calculated listen where guest vocalists include Joe Louis Walker, Eliza Neals, and Roy Young, among others on this mix of covers versus Watts originals.
The title track starts the listen on a very high note with soulful guitars, a frisky rhythm section and plenty of bright horns populating the energetic and R&B influenced opener, and this continues to the harmonica friendly and vocally rugged “Living Hand To Mouth”, as well as the organ fills of the rhythmic “Strait Shooting Woman”.
At the halfway point, “Pack It Up” brings some vocal acrobatics amid spirited guitar work and punchy brass, while “Blues Of The Month Club” recruits vocals from Neals on the groove and funk filled atmosphere of timeless blues. “Don’t You Let Me Down”, the album’s best, then pairs intricate guitar with warm organ as smooth singing complements the dynamic chemistry and Latin nods.
“Raw” and “Supernatural” bookend the listen, where the former displays a retro rock’n’roll swagger that’s immediately infectious, and the latter exits the listen dreamy, reflective and vocal-less where sublime beauty enters the equation.
An aptly titled record, Watts and company execute a top notch album, where the variety of singers and exceptional musicianship make Supergroove a modern blues masterpiece.
Travels well with: JW-Jones- Sonic Departures; The Lucky Losers- Godless Land