I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Born For You, by Rockie Charles and I really like it. Opening with title track, Born For You, Rockie Charles quickly establishes that he is going his own route with influences from many reaches. I am first taken by his smooth vocals and JL Hooker like phrasing, complimented by Jerry Embry on sax. Old Black Joel feels a lot like 60's soul and Clarence Carter. A solid backing band made up of Jerry Pekinto on bass, Rick Allen and Wayne Lohr on organ, Tony D'Alessandro on drums, not to forget Charles' own Spartan guitar playing and with really sweet backing vocals by Karlene Arena and Rhea Kahler, this sound is really earthy. Excellent. On easy paced, Oh My Darling, Look What You're Doing To Me, Charles sings with the ease of Al Green in a style more like Willie Nelson. Smoky Greenwell adds a soothing harp overtone giving the track just the right hint of spice. Please Tell Me It Ain't So is one of my favorite tracks on the release with Hooker like phrasing and Green like vocal tones...an unbeatable pair. R&B track, I Need Your Love So Bad has a terrific groove with a super lead line and tight horn work by Wilber Tank on trumpet and solid vocal backing by Arena and Kahler. Don't Let Me Go calls to mind the great Wilson Picket and his vocal work over arpeggiated guitar work. One of the most soulful tracks on the release is I Just Called To Wish You A Merry Christmas. Charles falsetto vocal and Sean Kenny's bari sax are a really nice pair supported by Lohr's organ sea. Very nice. Wrapping the release is There Is A Rainbow Hangin' Over My Shoulder, a super soul track with Charles adding some really nice guitar riffs. Horn phrasing on this track really gives it that 70's Wilson Pickett feel but it's all Charles and a super track to close a really strong release.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
https://www.amazon.com/Born-You-ROCKIE-CHARLES/dp/B000003TXK
