Music review: Billy Price – 鈥楻eckoning鈥�
Blues fans don鈥檛 have to look too far to find inspiring music.
Billy Price is a perfect example of a local talent making an impact at a national level. The New Jersey native who made Pittsburgh his home turf in the 1970s, continues to unleash his blues revival on his 16th release.
I fondly recall hearing Price add his steadfast vocals to legendary guitarist Roy Buchanan鈥檚 1974 鈥淭hat鈥檚 What I Am Here For鈥� and 1975鈥檚 鈥淟ive Stock.鈥� I encourage any blues fan to go back and listen to some of Buchanan鈥檚 earlier work with Price.
鈥淩eckoning鈥� offers up a tasty selection of originals and a collection of noteworthy covers.
Recorded at guitarist and producer Kid Andersen鈥檚 Greaseland Studios in California, the new effort proves that the pairing of Price and Andersen was a perfect union as they produce a rich collection of songs that blend traces of blues, rock and R&B.
Price is supported by a stellar band that includes accomplished bassist Jerry Jemmott. Jemmott honed his musical skills while laying down slick grooves for artists such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Otis Rush, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett.
The opening track, 鈥�39 Steps,鈥� is an original arrangement detailing the number of steps it takes to escape from a bad relationship as Price sings, 鈥淚 started counting the days until I left you/Started counting the steps I would take/I counted 39 steps to my freedom/Loving you was a big mistake.鈥�
Covers previously recorded by artists like Johnny Rawls, George Benson, Bobby Bland and Otis Redding are featured as part of the album鈥檚 13 tracks. My favorite cut from the set comes on Price鈥檚 soulful and spirited cover of J.J. Cale鈥檚 鈥淣o Time.鈥�
Support our local music scene and a great local musician by attending one of Price鈥檚 upcoming area performances. Price will appear at the Charleroi Community Days on June 29, Ribs and Blues Day at Belle Vernon鈥檚 Vinoski Winery on June 30, Meadows Racetrack and Casino on July 7 and Connellsville鈥檚 Rockin鈥� Rib Fest on July 8.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.