[section label=”About the Album”]
About the Album
Earl offers both traditional blues covers and originals on the twelve track album, The Luckiest Man. He also augments his lineup to include: Nicholas Tabarias and Peter Ward on guitar, and Peter’s brother, “Mudcat” Ward on double bass and fender bass. Additionally, he adds Mark Earley on baritone saxophone and Mario Perrett on tenor saxophone. Vocalist Diane Blue returns, but there are also some instrumentals tracks. The album is dedicated to the Broadcasters’ late bass player, Jim Mouradian, who passed suddenly in early 2017. The three-time Blues Music Award winner for Guitarist of the Year keeps things about tone, spiritual intensity and emotions. Earl brings us a traditional blues album of remembrance, love, and unwavering resolve to live with faith and gratitude.
[section label=”Our Favorite Track”]
Our Favorite Track
Our favorite track is “Ain’t That Loving You.” Blue’s vocals are strong and full of soul and Earl’s guitar playing over the shuffle blues form is amazing. The horn background lines add to the track. The band hits are also a nice touch. Earl’s strat is still the perfect timbre to convey blues guitar, a Fender Strat with a cable connected to slightly over driven Fender Amp with a touch reverb, everything else is Earl’s magic touch. Earl always delivers great original blues tunes, but respects the idiom, not trying to make it “modern.” Earl and the band just kill on shuffles.
[section label=”In Conclusion”]
In Conclusion
Earl continues to be one of the most touching blues guitarists today and The Luckiest Man confirms Earl’s status as one of the most soulful blues/soul/jazz guitarists working today, for sure! This album is the real deal and Earl speaks to loss and healing, gratitude and love, compassion and passion.