JACK MACK
AND THE HEART ATTACK HORNS
BACK TO THE SHACK
SSR FREEROLL RECORDS
STANDING BEFORE THE KING–SOMETHING IN THE WATER–DON’T LET HER GO–NEVER TOO LATE–SOMEBODY TO TRUST–SERVES ME RIGHT–BAD HABIT–CHANGE MY WAYS–AIN’T NO WAY–LET ME IN
Jack Mack is back. A fine champion (and a pioneer, too!) of “blue-eyed soul,” the band has just released their latest, “Back To The Shack.” It’s ten cuts of nothin’ but powerhouse horn-and-guitar-driven R & B, soul, and blues that Jack Mack’s been playing for lo these last thirty years or so. Dedicated to the legends that have passed on, such as B. B., Pickett, Solomon Burke and countless others, this set oozes soul from note one.
Featuring Mark Campbell on vocals, Mike Finnigan is on keys on the tale of corporate and political greed that rings true today, where “who’s got the money’s got control,” “Something In The Water.” A clever turn on the lyrics is the funky story of a cheatin’ lover, who finds out the hard way that “It Serves Me Right, for doin’ you wrong!” You gotta love that swampy guitar from Andrew Kastner, too!
The fellows really get down on some classic-styled songs with a feeling, too. Check out the breezy ode to that special love, “Don’t Let Her Go!” A man burned at love once is now looking for that “somebody who’s got your back,” that “Somebody To Trust.” And, when he’s guilty of backslidin’, he mans up and swears, “I’m Gonna Change My Ways,” for a second chance!
We had two favorites that book-ended the set. Leading off is an acoustic intro that morphs into a full-on blast of R & B as Mark’s vocal recounts how he was introduced to the “sweet Southern comfort” of the blues of B. B., “Standin’ Before The King.” Melanie Taylor is red-hot on backing vocals as is Carlos Murguia on piano. He’s on fire on that piano again as the set closes, with Mark begging a lover to “Let Me In.” This one is done up as a screamin’, shoutin’, testifyin’, all-out stomper, with all the soul and passion of ol’ Jake Blues when he “saw the light!”
For Jack Mack And The Heart Attack Horns, “if life is a highway, then throw me the keys, ’cause all I can do is ride!” And, when we all get “Back To The Shack,” we’ll know sho’ nuff that it’s been one sweet soul ride! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
donandsherylsbluesblog 
Posted by Andrew Kastner on January 14, 2017 at 10:20 pm
Thanks so much for the really wonderful review. it’s very flattering to have ones lyrics quoted. I just wanted to mention a couple things. Mike Finnigan is on keys and vocals along with with Mark on Somethin’ In The Water. Mike is the 2nd verse. Also, it is Mike playing all the acoustic piano on the album, When we tracked the record, Mike was on Hammond B3 and Carlos was on Wurlitzer electric piano, When Mike switched to acoustic piano, Carlos took over on the B3. Again, on behalf of Jack Mack thanks for taking the time to listen. We appreciate it, Andrew Kastner