Music review: Peter Frampton Band – 鈥楢ll Blues鈥�
Peter Frampton has got the blues real bad.
From his early musical roots starting in 1969 as part of Humble Pie, Frampton and Steve Marriott delivered up engaging arrangements filled with electrifying elements of rock, country, folk and blues.
Frampton would leave the band after four albums to pursue a solo career that would make the guitarist a true rock star after the mega success of 鈥淔rampton Comes Alive!鈥� in 1976.
After being recently diagnosed with a progressive muscle disorder, Frampton is currently on a farewell tour for his fans to enjoy the magic that comes alive during his shows.
His first new release since 2016鈥檚 鈥淎coustic Classics,鈥� 鈥淎ll Blues鈥� showcases the guitar legend covering 10 of his favorite blues tracks.
Co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay, the new material was recorded at Frampton鈥檚 studio in Nashville.
Backed by his touring band consisting of Adam Lester on guitar and vocals, Rob Arthur on keyboards, guitar and vocals and Dan Wojciechowski on drums, the new album also contains some special guest appearances.
鈥淚 have had my fun/If I don鈥檛 get well, no more,鈥� sings Frampton on 鈥淕oing Down Slow,鈥� a number that features the guitar wizardry of Dixie Dregs founder and Deep Purple member Steve Morse. It鈥檚 a powerful track that demonstrates Frampton鈥檚 love of music and passion to perform.
A smoldering version of Willie Dixon鈥檚 鈥淚 Just Want to Make Love to You鈥� opens the album with Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds playing a pretty mean harmonica. Frampton鈥檚 interpretation stacks up well alongside previous versions recorded by Muddy Waters and Foghat.
The title track is a sophisticated shot of cool, accentuated by an appearance from guitar veteran Larry Carlton and Arthur鈥檚 slick piano playing.
For me, the highlight of the set is heard on a spirited cover of the Willie Dixon penned and Bo Diddley recorded 鈥淵ou Can鈥檛 Judge a Book by the Cover.鈥� Frampton鈥檚 voice is still in fine form as he adds a fresh dose of soul and energy to this blues classic.
Other treats include Frampton channeling Freddie King on a fiery interpretation of 鈥淢e and My Guitar,鈥� an instrumental version of the beautiful 鈥淕eorgia on My Mind鈥� and 鈥淭he Thrill Is Gone鈥� with guitarist Sonny Landreth joining Frampton.
It鈥檚 comforting to know that the thrill certainly isn鈥檛 gone when it comes to hearing the 69-year-old Frampton perform on his latest effort.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.