Kenny “Blue” Ray featuring Jackie Payne
Soulful Blues
Tone King

This is one of the best electric Blues record of the year. No kidding. Kenny “Blue” Ray, underrated Texan guitarist, and soul-blues singer Jackie Payne are a dangerous couple. Blue Ray, an Albert Collins’ disciple, has been trading licks with virtually everybody around and in “Soulful Blues” his no-gimmicks no tricks playing is terribly effective; you could not find a note in excess. Payne has been in the business since the mid-sixties, his voice got power, tone and true emotional depth. The man at the ivories, Audie de Lone, greases the sound and often takes the lead with his Hammond. Likewise, tenor sax aces Cal Green and Rob Sudduth, in addition to a more than solid rhythm section, gives a precious contribution to this wonderful contemporary recording.

Luca Lupoli