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 02/2011

    KELLEY HUNT
    GRAVITY LOVES YOU

  • reviewed 11/2016

    AL BASILE
    MID-CENTURY MODERN

  • reviewed 01/2011

    ROOMFUL OF BLUES
    HOOK, LINE & SINKER

  • reviewed 10/2014

    DUKE ROBILLARD BAND
    CALLING ALL BLUES

  • reviewed 07/2012

    TIM "TOO SLIM" LANGFORD
    Broken Halo

  • reviewed 07/2010

    THE DEREK TRUCKS BAND
    ROADSONGS

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.