I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, My Life, from Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin' Alter Boys and I really like it. Opening with Handyman, an easy boogie, Rev Raven takes the wheel leading on vocal and guitar, backed by Cadillac Pete Rahn on harp, Brad Bill on bass, Vic Spann on drums and Ron Kovach on organ. With a zippy pace, Creature of Habit, has a real nice bass line by Bill and smooth vocals by Raven. Rahn gives the harp a nice run and the Rev follows up with a rip roaring guitar solo of his own. Very nice. Shuffle track, Bad Little Girls has a real nice feel with lead guitar swing and harp by Madison Slim. Raven really gets it going on guitar and with solid vocals, one of my favorites on the release. With a Latin rhythm, Once The Women Start Talking features Benny Rickin on harp and he does a real nice job and the Rev really shines on higher octave guitar riffs of his own giving this track a nice spin. Title track, My Life has the rich feel of Chicago blues with Rickin on harp, Bobby Lee Sellers Jr on drums and Danny Moore on piano. Another of my favorites on the release is driving boogie, Praying for a Princess featuring a great walking bass line by PT Pedersen and super nice rolling piano riffs by Moore. With a funky Freddie King style, Looking For Love has a cool swing, highlighted by excellent sax work by Big Al Groth and flashy guitar riffs by the Rev. I Can Do You Right has a great guitar feel with both trademark riffs and fluid runs. Excellent! Another track with a cool Freddie King vibe is She's Moving On. Pedersen's bass line lays the ground work on this one and Westside Andy Linderman lays down soulful harp lines in compliment to Raven's ultra bluesy guitar riffs giving this track a nice sting. Wrapping the release is jump track, I'm Your Honeyboy featuring Moore, Pedersen and Craig Panosh on drums. Moore takes a great piano lead followed by Linderman who spreads the heat on harp. The Rev takes the reins for the last run and he hits the road running with solid guitar runs making this an excellent closer for a real nice release.
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