Blues
Cd Review: Sonny Landreth - 'From The Reach'
Grade: A-
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Sonny Landreth's record sales have always been modest - until now, at least. But the reputation of the New Orleans guitar wiz is so lofty that when he decided to put together a duets album, the guest list included Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler.
Also joining the fret party on "From The Reach" are Robben Ford, Eric Johnson and an underrated country picker named Vince Gill. Dr. John contributes a little Big Easy piano, and he and Jimmy Buffett sing harmony on one song.
The resulting music is hotter than a fresh batch of beignets. "From The Reach" succeeds in part because the guitarists don't approach each break as if the one who plays the most notes wins. These solos sing and swing.
The project inspired some of Landreth's best songwriting, and he tailors the material to fit his guests. For example, Knopfler is featured on the opening "Blue Tarp Blues," which would be at home on any Dire Straits album.
Much of "Reach" rocks, but the best guitar work may be Landreth's on the lovely ballad "Let It Fly"
Other highlights include Clapton's top-of-his-game playing on "When I Still Had You," the funk-driven "Howlin' Moon," and the intricate interplay between Landreth and Johnson on the instrumental "The Milky Way Home."
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