Customer Reviews

The Hand You're Dealt

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a fan of James since he started in music. I have most of his cd's that he did with Luther Allison and on his own. THE HAND YOU'RE DEALT RANKS right up there with his Handy award winners. His guitar playing and vocals make him one of the best Blues players and singers of the era. If you're a Blues fan. you've got to have this cd.

I first heard a solo effort by James Solberg as a single on internet radio. It wasn't until I ordered every Solberg CD I could get my hands on that I realized that wasn't the first time I'd heard that sound (being a long time Luther Allison fan).

What an amazing artist! I swear you can "feel" the blues in his rough, soulful voice which is a perfect match to what I'd have to call a "blues on steroids" guitar sound. Overall it's a great mix of traditional blues with a modern sound and style.

I'd have to say that a blues collection wouldn't be complete without some Solberg and, although I didn't think there was a bad CD out of everything I got my hands on, this is certainly my favorite (so far).

After making a trip to Peoria to see him at a festival this summer I am hoping my wish comes true for a double-live CD. How bout' it James!!!

James' voice is a little strange at first, but after a few listens you'll begin to like it. The thing I like about his voice is that he has a good range, and good pitch. Some blues guitar/singers are all over the place, but James is accurate.

Moving on, James' guitar playing on The Hand You're Dealt is also top-notch. He gets a great tone, and is a slow but emotional and moving guitarist. He doesn't play a million notes a minute, but he doesn't have to.

Let's move on to some strong cuts on this CD. "Members Only" is one of my favorites on this album, along with "I'm Goin Home." On "Members Only," James shows how emotional his playing can be, and on "I'm Goin Home," you can't help but tap your foot. This is also a good album for the car if you want a long ride to be more interesting.

Luther Allison was right when performed with this kind of guitar player at backstage.James Solberg is now, his own,a great star at blues scenery,and deserves an accurated listen by all of bluesfans everywhere.I really enjoyed him since that Allison's days.But now,man!!!What guitar player!!!This cd is really explosive,intense sensual....
And of course the production of Jim Gaines enriched all inside it!!
All the tracks are marvellous,the presence of Luther Allison,phenomenal;I really recomend only one listen to this...and you'll be in tune with perhaps one of the best blues guitar player actually in activity.The cover art,so beautiful!!!!
You'll not be disappointed and if you bought this cd,your blues collection will be enriched....SO MUCH!!!!