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Buddy Guy
Bring 'Em In
(Jive)
From the moment Buddy Guy lays down his first searing lick, you know he's in top form.
Guy also turns in a strong vocal performance, starting off with his impression of soul great Curtis Mayfield's falsetto on The Impressions' Now You're Gone and emulating Wilson Pickett's fiery howl on Ninety Nine and a Half (one of the few tracks where the band really kicks in); his declamatory shouts on Cut You Loose are also a treat.
The lion's share of Bring 'Em In is covers -- classics of soul and the blues like I Put a Spell On You and I've Got Dreams to Remember.
Guy also gets some high-powered help.
Carlos Santana, soul singer Anthony Hamilton and Tracy Chapman all add a special touch to the numbers they take part in. John Mayer, Keb' Mo, Keith Richards and slide wizard Robert Randolph don't have quite the same impact.
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Unfortunately, Guy's sizzling performance and high-powered friends aren't echoed by his studio band's lukewarm assist.
Experienced pros like bassist Willie Weeks, drummer Kevin Jordan, guitarist Danny Kortchmar and keyboardist Bernie Worrell should turn in a performance that's better than okay.
Despite that, Guy provides all the evidence a blues fan could want that he's as tough as ever.
Track Listing:
1. Now You're Gone
2. Ninety Nine and One Half
3. What Kind of Woman Is This
4. Somebody's Sleeping in My Bed
5. I Put a Spell on You
6. On a Saturday Night
7. Ain't No Sunshine - Carlos Santana
8. I've Got Dreams to Remember
9. Lay Lady Lay
10. Cheaper to Keep Her/Blues in the Night
11. Cut You Loose
12. Price You Gotta Pay
13. Do Your Thing - Keith Richards