|  By
Cornbread
 BIG
JAMES & THE CHICAGO PLAYBOYS – RIGHT HERE
RIGHT NOW
Blind Pig Records, June 2009
"Big
James" Montgomery has played with Little Milton,
Albert King, and Buddy Guy before becoming the trombonist
and lead vocalist with the Chicago Playboys, the
Windy City's premier R&B ensemble. Right Here
Right Now provides ample servings of The Playboys
unique-horn-driven sound, which is a little R&B,
a little jazzy funk and whole lotta soul. It features
eight original compositions as well as covers of
Bobby Bland, Tyrone Davis, and the O'Jays, all highlighted
by precisely-executed horn arrangements and dynamic,
soulful musicianship.
Led by trombonist and vocalist Montgomery, the Chicago
Playboys today are comprised of Charlie Kimble on
saxophone, Kenny Anderson trumpet, Joe Blocker keyboards,
Mike Wheeler guitar and vocals, Larry Williams bass
and Cleo Cole drums.
Tracks:
1. Right Here Right Now
2. A Mama Like Mine
3. Love To See You Smile
4. On the Grind
5. Expect the Best
6. I Love 'Em
7. A Little Attention
8. The Goose
9. Help (Somebody Please)
10. Without You In My Life
11. Worry
This was a nice change from the traditional blues
standards. The horns were good, had that funky James
Brown vibe. The Chicago Playboys sounded really
tight. I had the chance to ask Big James about his
influences, he said James Brown, Little Milton,
Albert King, O.V. Wright and Bobby “Blue”
Bland and a few more like Muddy, Buddy. Listening
to this CD it’s easy to hear all these influences.
Big James told me while he was in the studio he
received a call that his last CD won “Best
Blues Album of the Year” from the Academie
of Jazz in Europe. His song “Thank God I Got
The Blues” is in the movie "Cleaner"
starring Samuel Jackson & Eva Mendes. This is
going to be a good year Big James.
Peace and Love
Peter 'Cornbread' Cohen,
CBP
~
Cornbread@STLBlues.net
 |
|
