2022 – Rock House Records
By Phillip Smith; Jan. 8, 2022
Growing up in Tennessee, Roy Roberts was exposed to a variety of music, but it was Jimmy Reed’s song “Baby What You Want Me to Do” which inspired him to get his first guitar. Over the years, Roberts has backed acts such as Solomon Burke, Eddie Floyd, “Little” Stevie Wonder, Dee Clark, and Otis Redding. His From the mid-sixties Roberts worked as a session man and recorded several 45’s. When disco music became more popular, he switched over to country music for ten years, and toured with O.B. McClinton. This new eleven-track album Covering the Years is a collection of his songs commemorating sixty-plus years in the music profession. It captures his journey quite nicely.
Roberts’ horn-infused Seventies soul ballad “You’re So Sweet” is absolutely delightful. This feel-good song puts a grin on my face with each and every listen. “Love on the Line” hearkens back to the smooth sounds of The Cornelius Brothers. It’s definitely one of my favorites. Roberts serves up some straight-up Porter Wagoner-style country with steel guitar accompaniment by Rick Nathy on “Can’t Find My Angel”. There’s a hint of B.B. King and Robert Cray in “Born to Sing the Blues”. Roberts totally owns the vocals as Eric Callands brings it on keys. The sweet sound of southern soul oozes out every pore of “Can’t Go On” in a magical way. I really like this one.
It’s most interesting to hear Roy Roberts as he visits the musical touchstones of his life. Whether rooted in R&B, blues, country, or soul, the songs in Covering the Years are all from the heart.
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For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://royrobertsblues.com
