GUITAR JACK WARGO
KEEPIN’ IT REAL
YOU DON’T FEEL THE SAME–POWER OF LOVE–KEEP ON KEEPIN ON–INVENTORY BLUES–SHIPWRECKED–NOBODY BUT YOU–NO STRANGER–ONLY-EST ONE–BLUES HOLIDAY–SHE’S GOT SOUL–GOIN’ DOWN THE ROAD FEELIN’ BAD–SENDING OUT A MESSAGE
Guitar Jack Wargo has played with some of the most legendary players on the planet–Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Billy Preston, and Solomon Burke, just to name a few. He has a soulful and expressive guitar style and a vocal delivery to match, and has just released a fine collection of contemporary blues and soul, “Keepin’ It Real.” He also brings along some special guests, including Willie Chambers of the Chambers Brothers, The Sweet Inspirations, and A D Beal on vocals, with Mike Finnigan on keys and Walfredo Reyes, Jr., on percussion.
The set is highly eclectic in nature, and takes the listener down a winding path in the world of the blues. The set begins with Jack’s lament for a broken affair, “You Don’t Feel The Same about me any more,” featuring a jazzy solo at the bridge. A throbbing, percussive number urging us as a society to “find a new direction,” is “Keep On Keepin’ On,” and those “Inventory Blues” are sent out to be sure we count our blessings each day. Jack touches on life as a bluesman and dealing with groupies and the incessant social media activity, but, as far as his heart goes, “I don’t want Nobody But You,” this one featuring Jimmy Powers on the harp. The set closes with another call for the end of the senseless array of daily violence with a breezy ode to peace and harmony, “Sending Out A Message.”
We had two favorites, too. Jack and the entire band use a minor-key slow blues cut to preach the “Power Of Love,” with “people livin’ their lives in a cloud of fear.” And, Jack busts out his slide, with Ed Wargo on flute, for a vibrant rendition of “Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad,” which has the feel of a long-lost Woodstock gem.
Guitar Jack Wargo has a strong connection to the healing power of music, and his hopes for better days to come. He sho’ nuff does a helluva job of “Keepin’ It Real!” Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
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