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This was going to be a simple review of the the new Eric Clapton/BB King album, Riding with the King. After perusing the title credits in the jacket, it's become more than a simple review.
We're going to start with a lesson in Texas history. In the 60's and 70's there was a travelling Texas Blues man named Doyle Bramhall. Durning the 70's he took under his wings a yound guitar blues wizard named Stevie Ray Vaughan. Well, we are all familiar with the Texas blues legend. He toured with a rhythm section named Double Trouble, a.k.a. Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon. After the tragic death of Stevie Ray, Layton and Shannon hung around the Austin music scene for a couple of years when they met up with some young talent at the local Austin Rennaissance Complex or ARC. The young talent was Charlie Sexton (we'll talk Charlie another time) and Doyle Bramhall II (son of the legend). Both played lead guitar, both were frontmen in their own rights. The Arc Angels came together for a magical couple of years in 1992. (We'll talk more about this dynamic group in the upcoming Lesson, Part II.)
In 1994 the group broke up and went their seperate ways. Double Trouble has since resurrected and departed another fabled Austin band, Storyville. Charlie Sexton continues to be a soloist of force. Doyle Bramhall II floated somewhere between here and there. His first album, the self title Doyle Bramhall II, was marked with problems maintaining he voice. In 1999, he returned to the front stage with Jellycream.
Jellycream is a fabulous effort by the heir apparent. It's evident that he's still trying to find a particular style, but he's doing a lot well. The disc fabulously produced by a group including Chris Layton and former fellow Angel Charlie Sexton. Drum sets were not ignored in the production; high hats and cymbals ring true across the board. Guitar play is distinctive as it is impressive; Doyle is becoming one of the best. He has a haunting voice that excells on quality systems. I'm beginning to believe he has one of the better voices in the business. It's easy to see he's found his stride; Roger Waters picked him up as an opening act earlier in year.
Back to the present. Riding with the King is a good album. Clapton and King, having never recorded together, blend well across the soundstage despite their distinctive styles. The record is well produced. It features some great guitar by none other than: Doyle Bramhall II. Seems that masters hired out on 7 of 12 tracks. Two of the songs come directly from Jellycream, lending weight to Bramhall's influence on this effort. This is a good album, it will play well at a dinner party.
For my money, I prefer the original, Jellycream. It's raw and full of talent. It has an untamed sound that isn't present on the more polished Riding with the King. Honestly, I think the Bramhall effort just sounds better. Did I mention he has a great voice?
Class dismissed. Next, in lesson II, we'll discuss the Arc Angels connection.
Ken
We're going to start with a lesson in Texas history. In the 60's and 70's there was a travelling Texas Blues man named Doyle Bramhall. Durning the 70's he took under his wings a yound guitar blues wizard named Stevie Ray Vaughan. Well, we are all familiar with the Texas blues legend. He toured with a rhythm section named Double Trouble, a.k.a. Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon. After the tragic death of Stevie Ray, Layton and Shannon hung around the Austin music scene for a couple of years when they met up with some young talent at the local Austin Rennaissance Complex or ARC. The young talent was Charlie Sexton (we'll talk Charlie another time) and Doyle Bramhall II (son of the legend). Both played lead guitar, both were frontmen in their own rights. The Arc Angels came together for a magical couple of years in 1992. (We'll talk more about this dynamic group in the upcoming Lesson, Part II.)
In 1994 the group broke up and went their seperate ways. Double Trouble has since resurrected and departed another fabled Austin band, Storyville. Charlie Sexton continues to be a soloist of force. Doyle Bramhall II floated somewhere between here and there. His first album, the self title Doyle Bramhall II, was marked with problems maintaining he voice. In 1999, he returned to the front stage with Jellycream.
Jellycream is a fabulous effort by the heir apparent. It's evident that he's still trying to find a particular style, but he's doing a lot well. The disc fabulously produced by a group including Chris Layton and former fellow Angel Charlie Sexton. Drum sets were not ignored in the production; high hats and cymbals ring true across the board. Guitar play is distinctive as it is impressive; Doyle is becoming one of the best. He has a haunting voice that excells on quality systems. I'm beginning to believe he has one of the better voices in the business. It's easy to see he's found his stride; Roger Waters picked him up as an opening act earlier in year.
Back to the present. Riding with the King is a good album. Clapton and King, having never recorded together, blend well across the soundstage despite their distinctive styles. The record is well produced. It features some great guitar by none other than: Doyle Bramhall II. Seems that masters hired out on 7 of 12 tracks. Two of the songs come directly from Jellycream, lending weight to Bramhall's influence on this effort. This is a good album, it will play well at a dinner party.
For my money, I prefer the original, Jellycream. It's raw and full of talent. It has an untamed sound that isn't present on the more polished Riding with the King. Honestly, I think the Bramhall effort just sounds better. Did I mention he has a great voice?
Class dismissed. Next, in lesson II, we'll discuss the Arc Angels connection.
Ken
but it is Vaughan not Vaughn 
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