Believe
it or not, it’s been four years since The Rockets last Bullseye
release which included the W.C. Handy ”Song
Of The Year” winner Change In My Pocket. Where ya’
been, guys? Along with Anson’s smooth and expressive
guitar and Sam’s Mississippi-style harp and emotion-laden
vocals, this one features a LOT of Gentleman John Street’s
keyboard work.
One woman I need and Toss And Turn feature Anson’s
first recorded vocals. To look at him you’d expect a rugged baritone,
but he possesses a well-controlled tenor voice, which he uses to good effect,
especially on the Orbisonesque ballad One Woman…. The
tune kinda grows on you, too. The instrumental track, Goin’
My Way, features Gentleman John on B-3, as well
as a stout solo by Anson and the able backing of The
Texas Horns. It puts me in mind of Booker T and the M.G.s,
one of my Memphis favorites.
For a taste of N’awlins, try Tabby Thomas’ Hoodoo Party.
A nice, rolling Louisiana boogie featuring Mr. Myers harp
work and John Street in the part of Prof. Longhair. (This
thing is starting to sound like a travelogue!)
A.F.A.T.R.F.S.M. are something of a touchstone in the Blues
world. They’ve been around a long time and feature both a proven Texas
guitarist, and a genuine old-school singer/harp player. I hope the addition
of the killer keyboard man helps them to get a little exposure outside the
Blues community.
George Willett
For The Suncoast Blues Society