Kirk Fletcher takes a load off |
The former Fabulous Thunderbird gives a heavy nod towards his Texas blues connection with the opening, Freddie King-ish 'Funnybone', and a subsequent cover of Stevie Ray Vaughan's slow blues 'Lenny'. The former takes off from a likeable theme into a leaping, jazzy guitar solo, followed by an organ solo played out over funky drums. The latter is subtle and restrained, before building into a wig-out guitar solo.
Highlights include the gentle and soulful Bobby Womack cover 'I'm In Love', with a swelling keyboard solo, the funkier, Latin-style 'Congo Square'. The closing 'Ain't No Way' displays a more relaxed, confident vocal, and solos that are punctuated by dynamic riffing that exemplify the balance in Fletcher's playing. As someone once said of Rory Gallagher, he seems to have he happy knack of being able to play the rhythm and lead parts at the same time.
Essentially, the production is under-powered. The jazzy drums are high in the mix, but much of the time the bass seems to be buried, so that when it does jab through it comes as a surprise. The audience reaction is scarcely audible, which is bizarre considering the impact I've seen him have playing live. A studio engineer friend suggests it has been recorded direct from the desk, which would explain the lack of ambience.
There's a great album to be had from Kirk Fletcher, in the hands of a sympathetic producer - this is just an audition.
Finally got round to listening to Kirk's recent session on Paul Jones' Radio 2 blues show, via the BBC iPlayer. It was recorded with the touring band put together for his UK tour last autumn, and the sound was pleasingly full, with Vic Martin on keyboards supplying some colour and punch to complement Kirk's guitar. Some good chat too, if rather brief. Still available for another 10 days or so!
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