I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release,
In Concert: Road Songs & Stories, from
Roy Book Binder and it's very entertaining. Opening with
St. Pete Blues Book shows his super story telling skills and well as his strong influence by Rev. Gary Davis. Excellent opener. Rag,
Black Dog Blues, is a strong track with a faster tempo, originally recorded by Bayless Rose in the 20's. Sounds fresh as the day it was written.
New Age Woman Blues is a funny little track with a good story and quick riffs. Rev. Gary Davis'
Candyman is next and Book not only does a real nice job on it but also elaborates on his history with Davis. Another great track is
Can't Do That No More. Book tells of all of the stuff you have to do without as you get older.The theme has been covered many times but Book does a particularly entertaining run at it. Blind Boy Fuller's
Rag Mama is a perfect track for this set with Books vocal and picking style. Excellent.
Travis-Davis Rag is another of my favorites on the release. Book says it is the best of what he learned from Rev. Davis and Merle Travis. Crisp. The first song that Book ever wrote,
Travelin' Man Blues, is next and shows that Book was spot on from the very beginning with solid melody and nice bottleneck slide. Wrapping the release is
Electricity, written by Jimmy Murphy in 1949. Book really grinds down on this pseudo spiritual track with tight riffs and tempo. This is a real solid conclusion to a totally enjoyable release.
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