I have seen guitarist Kirk perform a couple of times with Joe Bonamassa and my overall impression was one of robust style, accent on rhythmic patterns with very generic solo’ing. With this new release Fletcher presents eight new recordings. The presence here and there of some stellar vocalists can do nothing but help the programme.

Fletcher pitches the album theme as “love..a general love of humanity” and maybe I watch the global news TV too much but love seems in short supply, at present. Here, Kirk uses the classic keys-drums-guitar format, with Nick Dover manning the board. Fletcher’s three years with The Fabulous Thunderbirds seeps through into the music.

Opening cut Two Steps Forward brings in Mahalia Barnes as co-vocalist starts like Johnny Copeland jamming with Brian Auger, but the vocal phrasing evokes Doyle Bramhall II. Then Mahalia is in there, testifying whilst Kirk hits the wah pedal. It’s a spirited soul groove and the crisp drumming holds it all together.

On to You Need Me which is a mellow performance, a touch of Little Milton in style. Sad Sad Day mines that stabbing, busy New Orleans feel, the song itself is a Jimmy Reed favoured tune. Next up is The Answer, a midnight blues with steady Hammond chording and sparser guitar, a very sad ambience is conjured up. Then Time’s Ticking nods towards the heavy black-cloud sound favoured by Gary Clark Jnr, the tempo semi-martial.

Dupree is an altogether more sprightly selection and surely a tip of the fedora to the late Cornell Dupree! Easily my favourite cut in this programme, with nobody overplaying. Gotta Right is a sure-footed shuffle, neatly played.

Finally Hold On has vocals from Jade McCrea on a moody number that works very well as a duet, almost a bluesy Ashford & Simpson. A satisfying set of songs though a tad short on originality, maybe.

Pete Sargeant