RONNIE EARL AND THE BROADCASTERS
GOOD NEWS
STONY PLAIN CD SPCD 1372
I MET HER ON THAT TRAIN–CHANGE IS GONNA COME–TIME TO REMEMBER–IN THE WEE HOURS–GOOD NEWS–SIX STRING BLESSING–MARJE’S MELODY–BLUES FOR HENRY–PUDDIN’ PIE–RUNNIN’ IN PEACE
On May 8, 2014, at the 35TH Blues Awards, Ronnie Earl was named Best Guitarst. June 17 will usher in more “Good News,” which just happens to be the title of his eighth set for Stony Plain. it consists of ten predominantly-instrumental cuts that explore Ronnie’s love for the blues–in fact, he refers to it as his “mother music,” and, as such, tries to reach into the soul of the listener to help them feel what he’s feeling as he plays, which is yet another reason why that Best Guitarist award was so well-deserved.
Joining Ronnie are the Broadcasters, who have been with him since the late Eighties. Dave Limina is on keys, Jim Mouradian on bass, and Lorne Entress on drums. Also, Diane Blue adds vocals on a few cuts, and guest guitarists Nicholas Tabarias and Zach Zunis round things out.
Ronnie’s guitar literally speaks volumes on this set. “Time To Remember” is a breezy, samba-styled jazz groove, while “Puddin’ Pie” has a mellow, mid-tempo swing thing goin’ on. Dave Limina’s original piece serves as the title cut, and his B-3 work gives this one a decidedly good-time gospel feel. “Blues For Henry,” co-written with Hubert Sumlin, is a perfect “3AM and it’s last call” song, where you can immerse yourself in that slow, deep groove and just let it wash your troubles away. And, the set closes on a somewhat somber note, with the tribute to those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings from April, 2013, as “Runnin’ In Peace” features lyrics written by Ilana Katz Katz, who was near the finish line when the first bomb exploded. Diane Blue’s vocal mixed withRonnie’s guitar and Dave’s B-3 really convey the deep emotions associated with this song.
We had two favorites, too. The set’s leadoff cut is “I Met Her On That Train,” and the vintage sounds he brings out of his guitar will transport you back to a time when Elvis and Junior Parker rode that train that was always “sixteen coaches long.” And, the inspiration for the album itself is tied in historically with the 50TH annicversary of the release of Sam Cooke’s album, “Ain’t That Good News.” It featured a song that would become the anthem for the Civil Rights movement, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and Diane Blue’s fever-pitch vocal captures the passion and spirit that was Cooke’s original intent.
Ronnie Earl has that innate ability as an artist to create things of beauty out of one’s deepest pain, using just the strings on his guitar. “Good News” adds more luster to his legacy as one of the finest guitarists of our generation. Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
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