SOLOMON BURKE

LIKE A FIRE

2008-06-25

The king of rock and soul returns with a star-studded collection (Keb’ Mo’, Ben Harper, Jesse Harris, Steve Jordan, Eric Clapton, Danny Kortchmar) that gives his “A” list guests a chance to use his storied voice to propel their tunes. While the songs bear the lyrical and rhythmic sense of their authors, Burke’s voice adds a visceral punch. Clapton’s easy, loping, "Like a Fire" and "Thank You" probably wouldn’t get much attention on his own discs but get enough extra heat from Burke to pull the listener into the lyrics. On the other hand, Burke’s read on the Keb’ Mo’ penned "We Don’t Need It" isn’t enough different from the author’s own style to elevate it to new heights. That’s more a tribute to Keb’ Mo’s terrific delivery on his own discs than a criticism of Burke’s take on the cut. Elsewhere, Burke tears through Ben Harper’s funky "A Minute to Rest and A Second to Pray" and Steve Jordan’s soul gem, "Ain’t That Something" with a relish that reveals a hunger to dip into classic R & B. Jesse Harris’ "What Makes Me Think I Was Right" flirts with Country while the courtship is consummated on "The Fall", a country style weeper with pedal steel guitar leading Burke through the heartache. Smitty

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Blues

  • reviewed 12/2007

    RICHARD RAY FARRELL & MARCO PANDOLFI
    Stuck on the Blues

  • reviewed 05/2008

    CLARENCE SPADY
    Just Between Us

  • reviewed 10/2021

    SUE FOLEY
    PINKY'S BLUES

  • reviewed 03/2014

    LITTLE MIKE AND THE TORNADOES
    Forgive Me

  • reviewed 03/2021

    DAMON FOWLER
    ALAFIA MOON

  • reviewed 10/2007

    ROBERT LIGHTHOUSE
    Deep Down in the Mud

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.