Electric City
Dealer’s Choice, 2022
9/10
Early Times and company return with 11 new originals, where street wise wordplay, unpredictable rhythm, vocal contributions from the legendary Bobby Rush and a duet with the Detroit luminary Eliza Neals help make for an outstanding blues listen.
“Aloha, Leilani” gets the record off to a rhythmic start, where thumping drums, warm bass and spirited guitar complement the soulful singing, and “Good Soul Music” follows with help from Bobby Rush on the groove friendly climate that will get your body moving.
Into the middle, “American Kid” brings both grit and melody to the rock’n’roll appeal, while “Ching-a-ling” recruits a firm blues demeanor that’s as timeless as it is infectious.
Approaching the end, “Tips For The Crew” recruits some fluid funk nods to the dynamic formula, and “Succubus” exits the affair with intricate guitar solos, crisp drumming, well timed organ and acrobatic bass lines populating the meticulous instrumental.
An artist with unparalleled skill at guitar, singing and storytelling, if you haven’t familiarized yourself with Early Times yet, you may as well start here, cause it’s some of his best work yet, and the High Rollers are in peak form, too.
Travels well with: Jose Ramirez- Major League Blues; Bob Stroger & The Headcutters- That’s My Name