Former Bourbon Street blues journeyman Bryan Lee delivers a very well-thought-out, and very un-Bourbon Street-like CD—i.e. no standards, rather plenty of originals and a sprinkling of mostly informed R&B covers. Granted, there are some straight blues numbers here, but Lee has, in most cases, pleasingly expanded the parameters. A good example is the inspiration for the CD’s title—”Aretha (Sing One For Me)”—a George Jackson obscurity from the early ’70s, where Lee doesn’t stray far from the original Memphis
Eric Gales was already guitar wiz at 16 years old in 1991 when his debut album appeared from Elektra Records, and his immense skill and talent have certainly not diminished since. This set, released by Cleopatra Records and produced by Raphael Saadiq, is vintage blues-rock and features guest spots from Eric Johnson and Zakk Wylde.
Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection 1974-2004 is certainly the most lovingly crafted of the many Kansas retrospectives. Featuring 27 album cuts that range from classic FM hits like "Dust in the Wind" and "Point of No Return" to fan favorites such as "Song for America," and a 16-track DVD that collects numerous television appearances, videos, and live recordings, Sail On seems to be the definitive tome of the Midwest art rock band's very existence…