Jimmy Hall

Build Your Own Fire

2007-06-23

Former Wet Willie vocalist Jimmy Hall has crafted a terrific tribute to Rhythm and Blues songwriter and guitarist Eddie Hinton. Joined by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Collective and Kentucky Headhunter guitarist Greg Martin, Hall lays down soulful, rocking vocals that have the same blue-eyed punch as Delbert McClinton who guests on "Still Want to Be Your Man". The sampling of Hinton’s vast catalog included here reveals why he’s been covered by everyone from Aretha Franklin, Tony Joe White, Gregg Allman, Dusty Springfield to UB40. Simply put, he wrote great material that hits all the right emotional chords. Highlights include "Here I Am", which he delivers as a funky groove fest that is at least a first cousin to Stevie Wonder’s "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" while both versions of "Coming After You" (the second is Greg Martin’s raw boned version) feature the gritty, rough edges of early Muddy Waters or even ZZ Top circa Tres Hombres. "Build Your Own Fire" is an atmospheric rock fueled number that trumpets the importance of self sufficiency. Also included are plenty of deep soul ballads to tug at your heartstrings. In Hall’s capable hands Hinton’s material should reach a whole new generation of fans looking for authentic deep south R & B. Hall’s rich vocals should also turn some heads and earn new fans for him as well. Smitty

Quick Links:

• Zoho Roots