Mcray

38 Special is a prime example of an AOR band with deep roots in Southern rock. The band hails from Florida, and vocalist Donnie Van Zant is the brother of none other than Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie and Johnny Van Zant. The group's 1982 album, Special Forces, included the flawless Top Ten rocker "Caught Up in You," which injected the mainstream with a shot of much-needed grit. That album's follow-up, 1983's Tour De Force, upped the ante, showing the band's skills at their peak. Propelled by the effortless blend of melody and power stirred up by Van Zant, vocalist/guitarist Don Barnes, guitarist Jeff Carlisi, bassist Larry Junstrom, and drummers Steve Brookins and Jack Grondin, Tour De Force is loaded with irresistible hooks.

When Milcho Leviev left Bulgaria, it was 1970. A new generation has grown up since. Can you possibly imagine how much music has flowed under his fingers since then, how many concerts, records, arrangements and compositions he has done. And all these have been beyond reach in his native country, his music was arrested and silent. It was yet another enormity of a society the memory of which will still be haunting our dreams for years to come. Yet, in spite of everything, of the distance and the impossibility of normal communication, Milcho Leviev's influence on the development of Bulgarian jazz did not decrease. His ideas in the 60's were the basis for almost all young musicians to set forth on their way.

A Listener can sometimes get overly analytic in reviewing music, and that can lead one away from the big picture. As with this CD by Jimmy Dawkins, it is better to listen and let the music wash over you, allowing you to feel it and enter the variety of musical "rooms" whose doors are opened for you. "B Phur Real" has Jimmy in bold form, testifying with his blues in vocals and guitar. His instrument, a semi-hollow Gibson ES-355, is once again employed here to deliver the soul/blues according to Jimmy. His tone, choice of notes, and playing quirks bring a unique brand of soul to this music. This can't really be described but has to be felt. The able backing band sounds like a well-oiled unit with especially the drum/bass combo keeping up the necessary platform for Jimmy to build upon. The CD contains eight songs. Jimmy's singing style includes adlibbing lyrics on the spot.