Customer Reviews

Living In The Light

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In my view the greatest living blues guitarist, Ronnie Earl combines flawless technique, a style informed by players past and present (including two of my own lifelong heroes Otis Rush and Peter Green) but derivative of none, and a tone so clean it would in the hands of lesser musicians serve only to expose their limitations.

The most crucial aspect of Ronnie Earl's playing,though, is the justifiably well-documented sheer emotion in his playing, which is capable equally of lighting fires on a par with Buddy Guy and evoking the warmth and spirituality of the man himself. Ronnie is especially adept at what I call "tension and release" blues, opening a track in spectacular fashion with blistering riffs and runs, building to a crescendo and then cooling right down to quiet, sweet single notes.

His music encompasses blues, jazz and gospel, sometimes during the same track and always to stunning effect. I start listening to any of Ronnie's albums and for that hour nothing else in the world matters. My wife would happily attest to that.

For the above reasons, then, the arrival of a new Ronnie Earl release is a major event in the Browne household, and believe me "Living In The Light" is just that.

I won't go through a track-by-track analysis but let's just say that in the space of one album you are floored by the most fiery Chicago Blues imaginable including a belated companion piece to the classic "Blues From The Westside" (from the "Still River" album), you smile at and shuffle your feet to Ronnie's patented brand of lively guitar-and-Hammond fuelled jazz-blues, you're taken down to the Delta with acoustic blues, uplifted (and I speak as an agnostic) by a beautiful Bob Dylan gospel cover including a choir, and soothed by the most serene Sunday morning blues you'll ever hear.

Then there is the centrepiece of the album, which I will mention by name. "Child Of A Survivor" serves both as Ronnie's tribute to victims of the Holocaust, which included members of his own family, and a very timely reminder that we must never forget what humans are capable of doing to each other, This heartbreaking sentiment is expressed through the unusual but incredibly effective, and entirely appropriate, medium of a slow, brooding blues featuring a heartfelt vocal from Kim Wilson.

If you've not had the pleasure - I'd even say privilege - of hearing Ronnie Earl before, this album will serve as the best possible introduction to a man with a matchless body of work.

If like me, though, you're already a devotee of the man's work, you won't be surprised to learn that Ronnie has produced yet another truly wonderful album.

Whichever group you belong to, the world around you had better be prepared not to matter for a while.

Ronnie Earl and the wonderfully talented Broadcasters have taken another step towards music felt as love. The depth of emotionality conveyed here is very rare and makes this release a timeless treasure. Ronnies great clean tone set against the keys and rhythm is unparalled so when you add the power of Kim Wilson magic happens. The production is clear yet warm and the lyrics again go to healing and recovery. The power of this band continues to spiral upward and is worth hundred of listens.

Vermont-based original blues and soul artist Dave Keller lends his talent and time to two tracks on this outstanding effort by Ronnie Earl, including the opening track "Love, Love, Love." This music is a testament and pledge to the transcendent power of soul music, regardless of race or creed, while being deeply rooted in the traditions of all the powerhouses from Stax to Stevie that paved the way for the praises sung by Ronnie and Dave here.

An essential addition to anyone that collects authentic blues and soul.

Ronnie Earl is an incredible blues guitarist song writer. I love his music and the way he expresses himself through his music. Just like the many great guitarist of past, Ronnie definitely plays with soul and heart. This CD is very good and I highly recommend it to a true blues lover. Ronnie at times sings about spiritual things but that's because of what he's been through, so ignore the comment about his christian influences. Ronnie Earl in my mind is one of the few blues guitarist that has a true, clean, original sound. Once you hear that strat, you know it's Ronnie bending them strings. I've seen many great guitarist in my time and Ronnie Earl is up there. If you have an opportunity to see him live, I guarantee you'll leave inspired.

After hearing a song from this album on the XM radio, I just had to buy it. This is how I first heard of Ronnie last year, and Ronnie has never failed to amaze me ever since I became a fan. Ronnie is one of the best blues guitarists and this album mixes soul, gospel, and blues perfectly. Ronnie's heavier songs like River Charles Blues are the best, and I do admire his slower gospel sounding tunes, but compared to his blues songs, they are a little slow and less climatic, but still good to listen to for relief. I have to respect Ronnie for what he went through in his life with dealing with drug addictions and lossing touch with himself which going through cycles of depression. Listening to some of these songs almost makes you understand what Ronnie was going through, and hes trying to teach us a lesson that no matter how bad things may seem, there will always be someone to guide you, a light that you must fallow to end the darkness. I give Ronnie credit for conveying such powerful messages through his music, as well as having the courage and motivation to pick his life up, and continue to make music rather than make poor life decisions and fight his depression. I think we all can learn a powerful lesson from Ronnie, and for that reason, he is one of my heroes in music, and for someone to be a hero in music, means they really must have done something personally special for other people.

Well, when I put this in my player, I had a feeling this might be "been there, done that" from Ronnie Earl. In fact, I wasn't too into the opening track. As the tunes went by however, the incredible musicianship took hold and I really enjoyed this one. There is some good variety on this with a few acoustic tunes, some slow burners, some shuffles and a very poignant blues wail about the holocaust (Child Of A Survivor). For this type of instrumental blues, Ronnie Earl is just the best. He gets totally inside the music and can really push through the emotions. Very tasty playing from Ronnie and the whole band plus Kim Wilson shines on harp on 3 tracks. The final track, Pastorale is a beautiful tune with lovely jazzy guitar and is a perfect way to end this soulful set from Ronnie and The Broadcasters. Well done again. If I could give 4 1/2 stars I would but will settle on 4. Recommended.

Ronnie's songs/playing can be sedate at times. Not with this CD. Some of the best songs/guitar licks I have heard this year. He has my vote.

very good songs and as usual, great guitar. Kim Wilson rips his harp and Ronnie plays the hell out of everysong. I know I am biased, but the man does not make anything but great cds!

A very amazing album, with songs composed and played as Ronnie Earl is used to do

Ronnie Earlis a very fine blues guitarist. I loved this CD with a nice selection of blues styles,
vocals and B3 organ. I would highly recommend this to blues fans.