Amazon.com
The title of
Clean Getaway refers not only to Curtis Salgado’s leadoff track, but also his escape from death. The blues-soul singer/harpist was diagnosed with both liver and lung cancer in 2006 and given eight months to live. His miraculous recovery and return to recording two years later is in itself a clean getaway. Regardless of the compelling back story, this remains a highlight in Salgado’s already impressive catalog. From the rollicking, horn enhanced jump blues shuffle of "What’s Up With That" to an emotional cover of Al Green’s "Let’s Get Married" and a thrilling slow dance take on a lesser known Smokey Robinson gem "Who’s Lovin’ You," Salgado throws his heart into this music. Assistance from members of the Phantom Blues Band provides a sturdy foundation, but it’s Salgado’s show and he’s in fighting form. A tribute to the King of the Blues cleverly utilizing B.B.’s song titles as lyrics over a standard King progression is never as corny as the concept sounds. Salgado’s R&B roots are evident in his graying, grainy voice on the swampy "My Confessions" where he moans to his "obsession" over a skeletal heartbeat snare before launching into a bone dry harmonica solo. Eric Clapton’s "Bottle of Red Wine" gets revived with a rocking, lively treatment from a soul survivor who knows a thing about life and revival. --
--Hal Horowitz
Product Description
Curtis Salgado, the man credited by John Belushi as the inspiration for The Blues Brothers, is one of the finest soul/blues singers on the scene today, having been vocalist/harp player with Robert Cray, Room Full Of Blues and Santana. He's recorded a string of outstanding solo albums with both originals and tasty cover material ranging from blues to soul to rock. This new album, recorded by The Phantom Blues Band(known for backing Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal and a host of others) maybe his best yet as it delivers a powerful set of original songs plus sublime covers such as his beautifully-sung version of Al Green's "Let's Get Married."