MasterMusic Archive

Blues Masters Vol. 2 – Various Artists – AudioQuest/ MasterMusic – xrcd24

by Audiophile Audition | Feb 11, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Blues Masters Vol. 2 – Various Artists – AudioQuest/ MasterMusic xrcd24 NT016, 63:39 ****1/2: Audioquest blues collection gets an xrcd update. (Featuring Mighty Sam McClain; Robert Lucas; Terry Evans; Joe Beard; Lloyd Jones; Sherman Robertson; Doug Macleod and Ronnie Earl) Blues Masters Vol. 2 – Various Artists is exactly as advertised, a collection of 90’s blues music. MasterMusic has assembled a group of AudioQuest performances and released them in on 24-bit xrcd. Representing the soul wing is Mighty Sam McClain who (like others) is featured on more than one cut. “A Soul That’s Been Abused” is a slow-burning testament to love gone bad. With four-man trumpet/saxophone framework and B.B. King-like guitar (Kevin Barry) licks, McClain offers gritty vocals and sells it big time. Bruce Katz’ keyboards (especially organ) support the instrumental premise. Many of these players appear on the finale, “Got To Have Your Love”. This one has a late-night, low-down vibe. McClain’s urgency in his vocals can be felt, as the singer pleads his case. Tenor saxophonist Bennie Wallace is potent. With more upbeat hooks and gospel reverence, McClain delivers Southern blues in Stax-inspired eloquence. He has all of the intensity of Otis Redding or Wilson Pickett. This collection […]