Legendary Rhythm And Blues Revue - Command Performance (review)
Legendary Rhythm And Blues Revue - Command Performance (Delta Groove; DGPCD121)
reviewed by Michael Macomber
“For a good time, call The Legendary Rhythm And Blues Revue.” This slogan should be scrawled on walls from Terre Haute to Timbuktu. Command Performance is the rave-up, jump back, get down, spin-around party record of the decade. This electrifying live album generates enough pure power to light up the entire Western Hemisphere — with a little left over for the other hemisphere.
The opening track alone is bound to paste a permanent smile on the face of any rhythm and blues lover. Chris Sandoval’s pulse pounding drum intro to “Can’t You See” promises something amazing, and the band delivers, in spades. Deanna Bogart is a dynamo on keys, while Ronnie Baker Brooks rips it up on guitar. Keith Crossan on sax and Tom Poole on trumpet are simply astounding. “I Feel That Old Feeling Coming On” finds Tommy Castro contributing a mind blowing guitar solo. He also delivers the lyrics with a marvelous head shakin’ wail. Horn solos from Crossan, Poole, and Deanna Bogart are right on the money.
Bogart’s “Still The Girl In The Band” is a foot tapper and a great story, driven home by a knowing vocal and more fabulous piano work. Shouter Curtis Salgado turns in a badass “If It Ain’t Me,” letting his harmonica tell half the tale. Harmonica icon Magic Dick, well known for his work with the J. Geils Band, tears the entire stage apart on “Whammer Jammer.” The Ronnie Baker Brooks original “See You Hurt No More” takes it down a few notches, for a truly touching blues/soul ballad.
As live albums go, Command Performance is one of the best ever recorded. It has everything: great songs, great players, and a fantastic vibe. Long live The Rhythm And Blues Revue!
