2016 – Tastee-Tone
Records
By Phillip Smith;
Mar. 11,
2017
Immersed in the goodness of Memphis soul, Vermont recording artist Dave Keller’s latest album Right Back Atcha, is a sheer delight to hear. Keller’s splendidly soulful voice sounds terrific, as does his band which consists of Ira Friedman on Hammond B3 and piano, bassist Gary Lotspeich, and drummer Brett Hoffman. The inclusion of Mo’ Sax Horns sweetly fills the bill needed to recreate that Memphis sound which Keller definitely channels. They sound great and bring a wealth of energy to the album.
I am instantly captivated
upon my first listen to the fabulous cover of the 1974 Willie Clayton single, “It’s Time You Made Up Your Mind”. Dap and funky, this song begs me to get up on
my feet and dance. Memphian Darryl Carter, who co-wrote that song, also
teams up with Keller in writing the beautiful
“Deeper Than the Eye Can See”, a love ballad with a lingering Otis Redding vibe. I love the infectious groove of “Slow Train”. This soulful ballad is highlighted by a
fantastic sax solo from Joe Moore ( Slim Harpo, Wilson Picket ).
Funky guitar riffs and playful
blasts of horns swim among the lush sounds of Friedman’s B3 in “Urgent (I’ll Give It All)”. Keller
sings this with sophisticated conviction, making for a one cool as hell track. Keller’s
vocal performance in “What’s it Gonna Take?” is electric and amazing. Drenched in sweat and dripping with raw soul,
this song burrows deep down right to my core.
Right Back Atcha is a terrific album which I could listen to all day long.
