Customer Reviews

Reddhead

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This album is noticeably different from Redd's previous two albums, primarily because it has a bit more of a hard rock feel to it. The music still falls pretty clearly in the outlaw country tradition (his main gig, of course, is as Merle Haggard's guitarist), but there is a bit less Jimmy Reed in his instrumental work here than in the past, and a bit more Roy Buchanan. It is still distinctively Redd's sound, though, and he still chicken-picks with the best of them, and still throws in Jimmy Bryant-type country jazz lines to satisfy a devout fan of the telecaster. This isn't rock-- it just has a bit more of a rock edge to it than Redd's previous albums. Of course, if you are a true devotee of the telecaster, you are probably a Danny Gatton fanatic, so that won't bother you.

Further listening: Some of Redd's fans don't know about it, but he was in a short-lived group called The Twangbangers with fellow tele-slinger Bill Kirchen, and pedal steel visionary Joe Goldmark. They put out a live album that is well worth picking up. You will be particularly amused by Bill Kirchen's attempt at a Redd Volkaert guitar impression that goes wrong, and he admits it. My favorite tele player these days, though, is Scotty Anderson. That man can burn up the fretboard like nobody else, and he is unfortunately not well known yet. You should also check out Forrest Lee Jr., who not only has a solo album, but recently formed a Hellecasters-style group called The Bendegos with Matt Rae.

Although I'm a big Redd fan, this release doesn't appeal to me as much as previous albums. It still has its high points, but features too much of Redd's so-so singing instead of his outstanding guitar work. Reddhead isn't a flop, but Telewhacker and No Stranger to a Tele are more preferable to me.