2023 – Landslide Records
By Phillip Smith; Jan. 14, 2023
Release Date : Jan 20, 2023
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
I
been preaching the gospel of Damon Fowler for almost ten years. In 2013, Fowler, J.P. Soars,
and Victor Wainwright unleashed an outstanding record under the name of Southern
Hospitality, called Easy Livin’. The CD had landed in my mailbox for review and
after giving it a listen, I was smitten with his work. Fowler’s latest release features this
master guitarist playing live at the Palladium alongside bassist Chuck
Riley, drummer Justin Headley, and special guests Jason Ricci
on harmonica, Eddie Wright on guitar, and Dan Signor on keys. Live at the Palladium features eight
original songs, and two bodacious covers.
Early in on this set, Fowler breaks out a handful of my favorites from his prior album Alafia Moon. His fabulous cover of Guy Clark’s “The Guitar” puts a gigantic smile on my face. Clark ranks up there among the best when it comes to songwriters, and I absolutely love this song which Fowler has breathed a new life into. “I’ve Been Low” gets wonderfully intense as Fowler lets loose on his guitar. His no-holds-barred approach never ceases to amaze me. Jason Ricci steps in for a four-song run starting with “Somethings Change”. It’s always a joy to hear him play harp. The performance of Fowler and Ricci on “Somethings Change” is exquisite. Ricci does what Ricci does best, pouring his heart and soul into the smoldering, slow blues of “Tax Man”. Fowler sings and plays this one with fine precision. Both Wright and Ricci join in on the closing song “Sugar Shack”. This title-track off Fowler’s 2009 Blind Pig release clocks in at just under twelve minutes, and magnificently paves the way for a blues-soaked southern-rock jam. It definitely makes for a grand finale.
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For more information about Damon Fowler, visit his website at : https://www.damon-fowler.com/
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