2017 –VizzTone Label
Group
By Phillip Smith;
Sep 16, 2017
A finalist in the 2014 International Blues
Challenge in Memphis and a staple in the Austin, Texas music scene, Brad
Stivers’ debut album, “Took You Long Enough” is a wonderful blend of Sun
Records, the Nashville Sound, and Southern R&B.
The funky Jimmy Nolen-ish guitar riff draws
me in to title track, “Took You Long Enough”.
Accented by Stivers’ smooth troubadour vocals, this is one killer
track. Stivers breaks out a tantalizing
guitar solo on his mighty horn-infused cover of Ray Charles classic “You’re
Just About to Lose Your Clown” which features outstanding performances by Mark
Wilson on saxophone and Bukka Allen on B3. Emily Gimble (ex-member of Asleep at
the Wheel and granddaughter of Johnny Gimble from Bob
Willis and His Texas Playboys) makes a guest appearance, lending her voice
and piano mastery on a beautiful duet covering yet another amazing tune
recorded by Ray Charles, “Here We Go Again”.
Being down and out never sounded so good as “Nickle
and a Nail”, sung by the powerful and soulful voice of Malford Milligan.
There’s a bit of a Robert Cray vibe which rings throughout this fabulous
song. A slow-burning ominous melody and Stivers’
delicious, twangy guitar delightfully provide the springboard for his
heart-wrenching vocals in the brilliant original “Save Me”.
I love his funky instrumental cover of James
Brown’s “Cold Sweat”. Bassist Bobby
Perkins and drummer Nico Leophonte make for a tight-as-hell rhythm
section while Stivers delivers a riveting performance to close out this spectacular
recording.
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