That’s What I’m Talkin About
Quarto Valley, 2021
9/10
Listen to That’s What I’m Talkin’ About
For his 8th album, the Florida bluesman Sean Chambers brings his inimitable guitar and singing prowess to a tribute listen to Hubert Sumlin, who was the guitarist for Howlin’ Wolf. Joining him for the occasion are Todd Cook, Andrei Koribanics and Rick Curran, and together there’s no shortage of soul, Americana and country nods to the robust blues flavor.
“Chunky” starts the listen with Chambers’ muscular guitar acrobatics alongside Koribanics’ proficient drumming and Curran’s strategic keys in the flowing blues climate, and “Do The Do” follows with rugged yet tuneful singing from Chambers as the busy landscape welcomes power and melody.
“Hidden Charms” lands in the middle and moves swiftly with the rhythm section of Cook and Koribanics making for a dance friendly setting, while “Forty Four” trims the pace back with a rugged and emotive quality to the dense blues. “Hubert’s Song”, one of the album’s best, then offers a firm blast of retro rock with soaring guitars, bristling drums and throbbing bass work.
Approaching the end, “Howlin’ For My Darling” bounces with a playful energy that’s raw in its precise nature, and “Louise” exits the listen with agile keys alongside a thick presence of robust and timeless blues.
Sumlin was a friend and mentor to Chambers, and even gave him his first big break in the industry way back in 1998. A project that truly does justice to Sumlin’s legacy, Chambers continues his streak of first rate song craft, and it makes a great starting point for the first time listener, and a must for the long time fan.
Travels well with: Various Artists- Party For Joey: A Sweet Relief Tribute To Joey Spampinato; Murray McLauchlan- Hourglass