Reese Wynans & Friends -Sweet Release

Reese Wynans & Friends

Sweet Release

(Provogue/Mascot Label Group)

Keys man of choice for many great artists, Wynans in conversation seems softly chuffed with having his own album out. On it he mixes styles, tempo’s and instrumentation and to be frank listening to it you might not assume it was a keys player’s oeuvre..which is my way of saying you will likely just enjoy the tunes and performances.

Stars abound on every cut, but seemingly with the sole aim of creating a fine album. It’s a show of respect, of course but nobody holds back, least of all the singers. A very familiar pair of SRV-era items open the proceedings in the shape of Crossfire with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and a roaring vocal from Sam Moore, crisp horns, rich Hammond. Then the wah-soaked Say What again with KWS. That Driving Beat has a Mike Farris vocal and bass from Michael Rhodes on a truly Jnr Walker style outing. You’re Killing My Love brings in Doyle Bramhall II over throaty flanged organ, very Albert King and a stinging Wynans solo. The mighty Warren Haynes and other singers such as Vince Gill makes Sweet Release a cathartic country ballad. Shape I’m In has rocking piano and singing from Noah Hunt whilst Hard To Be has Bonnie Bramlett, producer Joe Bonamassa and Jimmy Hall to the fore. A new version of the sublime Riviera Paradise leans towards West Coast jazz and strings that evoke the Spirit recordings that brought in orchestral genius Marty Paich.

Take a bow Jeff Bova! Take The Time ticks every box, with Haynes slide and other worldly bass figures. So Much Trouble the Tampa Red tune has Bonamassa turning in the strongest vocal on the set. Put it in the JB setlist, Joe!! I’ve Got A Right To Be Blue is an old timey piece with Keb Mo aboard.

Soul Island is a breezy instrumental reminiscent of Donald Byrd or Cedar Walton, Josh Smith shining on guitar. The farewell piece is a pastoral Blackbird, on the piano.

Pete Sargeant