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Thou shalt not worship false 'Idols' ... how about Sonny Landreth instead?
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How dopey that true music fans are asked to treat breaking news items as important developments.
Shania Twain has marriage woes! Steven Tyler's been admitted into rehab! Someone named David has claimed the “American Idol” title! Urgh. Tune out that noise.
What should matter this week is that the greatest slide guitar player on the planet has issued a new album. Louisiana guitar phenom Sonny Landreth has delivered jaw-dropping performances ever since he lived in Estes Park and played in Boulder in the early Eighties He's since played with John Hiatt & the Goners and now commands the utmost respect on stage and in the studio for his technical vigor – blues-infused electric fretwork and a dash of New Orleans rock 'n' soul. Yet other musicians know him better than the record-buying public does.
It’s not too late to learn his name.
On From The Reach, his ninth recording, Sonny is joined by elite musical guests, but this release doesn’t come off like a typical “duets” record. The CD opens with one of the best tracks, the Katrina-inspired “Blue Tarp Blues,” as Sonny exchanges textured playing with Mark Knopfler. The other exceptional cut is “Storm of Worry,” which features Eric Clapton contributing wailing licks. Clapton also adds vocals and guitar to “When I Still Had You,” and Sonny has written solid tunes with three more great guitar players in mind – Eric Johnson (on “The Milky Way Home”), Robben Ford (“Way Past Long” and “Blue Angel”) and Vince Gill (“The Goin’ On”). On "Howlin' Moon," he's joined by Dr. John and Jimmy Buffett, longtime pals and collaborators with shared Louisiana roots.
This tasteful showcase is destined to be Sonny's best-selling release. Worth your attention – promise!
Catch G on KCUV.
