Ben Poole proves this impressively on his new CD, for the eight tracks in the venerable Royal Albert Hall have been picked up by the BBC. In addition to these, there is a bonus studio track Starting All Over Again, at the Wayne Proctor equal to 50% of numerous heaped in different categories British Blues Awards band King King are involved on drums and Bob Fridzema to Keybooards, the bass plays Steve Amadeo, who is currently on tour with Aynsley Lister.
Let's stay with the names of its contributors: In addition to Ben Poole who knows excellent and stylish to use his guitar and is also still blessed with a deep soulful voice, on drums Craig Bacon, I have for example seen with King King bassist Mat beable plucking the bass even at the Nimmo Brothers. Sam Mason is the undisputed master of the white and black keys and last but not least, we hear the wonderful voice of Amy Eftekhari as a background singer.
For Music. On the album we find a mixture of classics and of Mr. Poole self-written material. The intro goes straight into the slightly funky Lets Go Upstairs, somewhat more restrained, we go further with Love Nobody No More. With this title I will involuntarily reminded of the voice and the musical style of Ian Parker. And I tell you, that's quite a good memory. A great ballad with a gorgeous guitar solo.
The next less than 10 minutes are devoted to the old Temptations song (I know) in losing you. That's what I've always appreciated to live recordings: Playback full bandwidth with all suspense, dynamics, the room for development of a song. Here wafts the organ, roars or whispers the guitar. At the first listening test I declare this item equal to favorites this formidable CD. It sounds as before and yet modern listening habits grew. To underline exactly this ends the band the song with a quote from Deep Purple Black Night.
Otis Redding Mr. Pitiful is the next highlight. Here we find in the middle part a sparkling piano solo by Sam Mason, would have quietly earned a little more space.
Another highlight of this album is the 11-minute version of Freddy Kings Have You Ever Loved A Woman. Here is Ben Poole that and how he is able, his guitar ingrained in Blues to elicit tones. Sam Mason also gets plenty of opportunity for a brilliant piano solo. And who has so far only caught incidentally and unconsciously, the experiences here at last is the perfect complementary performance by Mat beable and Craig Bacon, without whom this more than the recommended intake would not be what it is: An addition to any music collection well-stocked.
Unconditional purchase recommendation!
Published 2014 Manhaton Records.