Triple Fret is a catchy title meaning the inclusion of three talented
guitarists: Bernard Allison (vocals, rhythm guitar, guitar solos),
Larry McCray (vocals, guitar solos, rhythm guitar), and Carl Weathersby
(vocals, guitar solos). Special guest Lucky Peterson is featured
on organ and additional band members include John Colby (piano, Rhodes,
clavinet), Johnny B Gaydon (bass), Steve McCray (drums), Jamie Finegan
(trumpet), and Robert Feiner (tenor sax). Producer and primary
song writer Bruce Feiner drew inspiration from an album from the
mid-80s with Albert Collins, Robert Cray, and Johnny Copeland called
Showdown. Many consider that one of the premier blues recordings,
but this album differs in its goals.
On this record, the artists celebrate the blues and each share the
spotlight throughout. In the liner notes, there are details of
each artist’s participation on a song by song basis. The music is
funky blues with lots of surround information. Recording quality
is very good and spatial though it’s a bit rough around the
edges. The advantage of having such talented and versatile
performers is clear from the first listen to this record—every song is
good! Track four is a favorite. It starts off slow and then
really starts to bump in classic blues manner. Throughout the
record, vocalists take turns and this adds to the variety on a track by
track basis. There are no surprises with the topics covered in
the songs—women, women, and more songs about women. Of course you
have to throw in a lot of pain and suffering and hardship (mostly
related to the women!) Track six stands out a bit in that
it’s an instrumental track and grooves like 70s organ music a la Jimmy
Smith, Lou Donaldson, or Big John Patton. This is one great
modern blues record that shouldn’t be missed! Songs included
are: Bottle Of Whiskey; Bluesman; Get Drunk And Pop The Trunk;
Don’t Tie Me Down; I’m Praying For You; Where’s Lucky; Good To Me;
Ain’t Nothing But The Truth; Take It Slow.
-Brian Bloom
