The McKee Brothers — A Time Like This
The McKee Brothers are led by producer and multi-instrumentalist Denis McKee who is backed by a collection of first-class musicians and vocalists for the third release including Maxayn Lewis (Ike & Tina Turner), Bobby Watson (Michael Jackson) on bass, Steve Stephens (Glenn Hughes) and Vincent Fosset Jr. (Kirk Fletcher) on drums, Chris Stevens adding percussion, Bobby West (Keyboards) Lee Thornburg (Supertramp) on horn arrangements and brass, Doug Webb (Stanley Clark) on reeds AND guitar contributions from Larry McCray, Joey Delgado and Stan Budzynski adding some fluid slide guitar!
Opener ‘How Can I Miss My Baby?’ transports the listener to New Orleans complete with harmonica by Tim Douthit and if you like the sound of the late Dr John then this kicks things off nicely. The silvery horns on ‘Whistleblower Blues’ blend beautifully with McCray’s crisp funky electric guitar. ‘It Is What It Is’ reminds this writer of Steely Dan with its Memphis soul vibe and is a highlight that would sound great live which is followed up by the Al Green inspired ‘A Time Like This’ as Lewis’s voice shines.
If it is a Gospel sound complete with a dynamic guitar solo from Denis McKee you want then look no further than ‘Realize’ and ‘A Scene From Sunday’. ‘The Legend of Luther Stringfellow’ to my ear sounds like a bluesy take on Bobbie Gentry’s ‘Ode To Billie Joe’ and ‘Back To Love’ would not be out of place on an 80s film soundtrack-like Caddyshack or Back To The Future.
Closing track ‘Surreal Love’ is an emotional pop-sounding tune complete with textured piano and relaxed vocal which makes it perfect for radio airplay. If you ever wondered what a blues-influenced U2 might sound like this is the answer. If the Overall, ‘A Time Like This’ is an interesting release because it does offer something for everyone whatever their musical tastes. The sixteen-track album length is a bit on the long side but the musical talent can be heard on every single one of them.
The McKee Brothers’ new album ‘A Time Like This’ is out now. For more information visit www.mckeebrothers.com
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