One of the signature sounds of the boogie blues is the wonderful wheeze of the Hammond B3. Reese Wynan is one of the best at the B3, carving out an impressive career with the likes of Captain Beyond, Dicky Betts, Stevie Ray Vaughan and most recently Joe Bonamassa. Joe B is the producer of this blues-fested shuffler, with a ton of guests to show the width, breath and depth that this mixture of wood, pedals and wind can create.
With Sam Moore at the microphone, Kenny Wayne Shepherd at guitar and The Texacali Horns, Wynans and company give a STAX stomper “Crossfire” to start things off with Shepherd wah wah-ing through a wicked “Say What.” Paulie Cerra’s smoking tenor sears as he sings with Mike Farris as they cruise through a Jr. Walker-inspired “That Driving Beat,” and Doyle Bramhalls’ guitar is greased for “You’re Killing My Love.”
As with all things organ, the church is never too far away, and Wynan takes you on a Sunday morning ride with producer Joe B and his female choir on a gospel-meet Allman Brothers drenched “Sweet Release,” while Reese is in solo meditative form on piano for a reflective “Blackbird.” A trip to a southern back porch with Keb’ Mo” brings a rural “I’ve Got A Right To Be Blue” and hints of Deep Purple are added to the palate with Bonamassa, Shepherd and Jack Pearson hammering out their axes on “Riviera Paradise.” Hardest hitting of all is the pounder “So Much Trouble” with Mike Henderson’s harp wailing around Bonamassa, whereas the team shuffles more than a deck of cards with Bonnie Bramlett for “Hard to Be.” Through it all, Wynans is like a mad scientist, mixing musical chemicals to create the perfect bluesy brew. If he tours with anyone from this studio band, cancel whatever you’re doing and head out!
There’s also a vinyl version of this that adds extra warmth to the atmosphere, so if you have a record player, have a blast with it.