Check Atkins

This isn't just a 2-CD set of some unbelievable guitar work from a long-esteemed player of truly formidable skill but rather a treasury that proves beyond doubt that Melvin Taylor needs to be placed within the museum of the guitar greats: Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Chet Atkins, Frank Zappa, Earl Klugh, Jim Hall, Leo Kottke, Robert Fripp, Grant Green, Pat Metheny…all of 'em, regardless of style and genre. And he not only plays all the many layers of various guitars here but bass as well in a nominally foursome format.

There's something about the music on this CD which conjures up visions of the American heartland and simpler times - the days and tunes of Duane Eddy ("the twang's the thang"), Santo and Johnny's "Sleepwalk," Les Paul, Chet Atkins, a touch of the Ventures and surf-rocker Dick Dale, and when guitarist C.W. Vrtacek cranks up the reverb on his vintage Fender Telecaster, perhaps a hint of Link Wray. The early Grateful Dead even emerges as a touchstone from time to time, as other trio members John Roulat (drums) and Jack Vees (bass/second guitar) slip into a funky blues shuffle beat, and Vrtacek stretches out and rides the groove like a young Jerry Garcia…

Lee Taylor doesn’t have a big discography or countless videos on YouTube, but what she lacks in online media is reinforced by boisterous vocal chops and spot-on charisma. And yes, she’s got more musical game than most “influencers” out on their showy platforms. Her live album Wild Woman, due out Friday, March 12th exemplifies this vocal force who rings comparisons from Dionne Warwick, Lily Allen, and Joss Stone.

Fred James & Mary-Ann Brandon are the real deal. If you like southern roots Americana and blue eyed soul music, you’ll love the sound these two journeyman performers conjure up. Their new CD release on SPV Records showcases their exceptional song-writing and musicianship. Their harmony blend is all their own but harkens back to the classic duet sounds of Delaney & Bonnie, Billy Vera & Judy Clay and Bonnie Raitt & Delbert McClinton. It’s a sound that is timeless. This record has wound up being a loose chronicle of their life together. It's a love story with all its twists and turns. Their life together has not always been easy. They have lived, loved, fought and played with passion. For this album they went back to record some of the music from the early days and dug into their country and R&B roots to bring you a southern stew pot of blue eyed soul. This is, in fact, a record that has been a quarter of a century in the making.