RICK VITO
SOULSHAKER
VIZZTONE RECORDS VT–RV01
SHE’S JUST TOO FINE–I’VE GOT A SECRET–I DO BELIEVE–WORLD ON FIRE–DOGGIN AROUND–DANCIN LITTLE SISTER–I’M GOING TO HEAVEN–SOUL SHADOWS–WALKING SHOES–PROMISE LAND–A CHANGE IS GONNA COME
Most people have heard Rick Vito whether they were aware of it or not. A member of Fleetwood Mac from 1987-1991, Rick brought a more bluesy sound to that version of the band, but his slide guitar from Bob Seger’s “Like A Rock,” was featured in that Chevy truck commercial that ran for nearly a decade. Rick is back with a strong set of rockin’ blues that puts his slide guitar, clever songcrafting, and bluesman’s voice at the epicenter of “Soulshaker,” for Vizztone Records.
There are some dazzling examples of Rick’s slide prowess, and they are spread across several different genres.’ Leading off is a cool, Fifties-inspired rocker, the walking-bass lope of “She’s Just So Fine.” “World On Fire” is a tune with topical overtures, and is reminiscent of Peter Green-era Mac, as is the dark, brooding, rhumba groove of “Ball And Chain.”
We had several favorites. “Dancin Little Sister” is a stone rocker that’d make Chuck smile up in Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven, while both “I Do Believe” and “I’m Going To Heaven” surely had the ghost of Sister Rosetta Tharpe looking over the recording session when these were laid down. The set closes with a brilliant and reverential instrumental read of Sam Cooke’s iconic “A Change Is Gonna Come,” the only time in our memory that we’ve heard this cut presented in such a stirring version sans the lyrics.
Rick Vito has lent his slide guitar stylings to an uncountable number of legends in contemporary music. Flexing his own muscles, Rick Vito rocks the joint with “Soulshaker.” Until next time….Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance.
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