My Guitar's My Only Friend - James "Buddy" Rogers

I just received a copy of the new release, My Guitar's My Only Friend, by James "Buddy" Rogers and it's really good. Rogers, who formed a band at 11 and having formal bookings by 15 has been at this game for a while and his chops show it. The release opens with the title track, My Guitar's My Only Friend, which could be right out of Albert King's Stax catalog. Vocals are cool and riffs are hot! Let's Get Loose has a smooth jazz style but staying in the blues zone along the lines of Robben Ford if anyone. This track definitely swings and the blues riffs played with heave Texas influence just roll off of the strings. I'm On The Road Again has a bit more of a rock feel with a dash of ZZ Top and a dot of Robert Palmer and a little SRV mixed in to the mix. Rogers really takes the opportunity to lay down some nice riffs creating a track which could see a bit of air play. Disappearing Baby Blues traces back to earlier blues roots with a lot of swing. Another track that has the hook which could catch the airplay ear. Sweet Little Girl, a blues track along the lines of Robert Cray or a R&B track but actually having the familiarity of a Steve Miller track and even some more Texas style guitar riffs feeding the ear a lot of candy. Blame It On The Blues, another swing style blues has a real nice groove and Rogers demonstrates his abilities as a singer and player to be reckoned with. Very smooth and appealing. Guitar Sue takes the rhythm of Mr. Chuck Berry but stays out of the classic groove and finds his own way. The guitar riffs have tips of the hat to Berry but the sound is fresh and clean. Nicely done. Lovin, Kissin, Huggin is a real uptempo blues brushing rockabilly without actually getting into it. Rogers keeps the pace up on the track and plays some flaming riffs making you think of Gatemouth Brown. DAWG is a real funky blues track and describing the relationship between man and his dog how could he lose. Definitely my favorite track on the release. Rogers plays some really hot riffs on this track and the funky rhythm keeps your head bopping as he does his thing. Buddy's Walk has a Freddie King like style and and a solid swing rhythm. The only instrumental on the release, Rogers gets a a good long run on guitar and leaves you wanting more. Very nice job!
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