Vocalist/composer Brian Bourgalt shows what persistence can produce. Diagnosed with an untreatable neurological disease, Bourgalt refuses to be kept down, and has produced an impressive and inspiring rootsy R&B toe tapper. His rough and ready voice is supported by Carl Sorensen/dr, Marc Benning/b, Dan Schwindt/g, Erik Deutsch/key, Dwight Bement/sax, Chris Lawson/tp and vocal support from Kim Dawson & Tanja Shylock.
The team sounds like it stepped out of a vintage STAX session on the stomping and funky “Cry” and “Mile High Soul” while the team delivers a punchy reggae groove on “Hard to See.” Upbeat soulful struts abound as Bourgalt shouts it out on “Be Kind” while his voice is earnest with graceful support by Deutsch on the gospel inflected “Come Home.” He knows how to tell a story as he veers through the foggy organ on “Stay Up” and tells a heartfelt ode on “Serenade.” This guy sings like he’s fighting for his life, which is an encouragement for us all in more ways than one.