Albert White - Soul of the Blues

Reviewed by Jim De Koster

Albert White is one of those musicians who have been around forever but remain virtually unknown even to the cognoscenti. Most notably, the Atlanta-based guitarist became leader of his uncle Piano Red’s band Dr. Feelgood and the Interns back in 1962, at age 19. Next came lengthy stints with the Tams and Hank Ballard, and in recent years he’s reunited with one of Dr. Feelgood’s nurses, guitarist Beverly Watkins.

Given his background, it’s not surprising that White’s music reveals a broad spectrum of R & B influences. In addition to teaming up with Watkins fro a rousing revival of Dr. Feelgood. White has chosen songs from Same Cooke, Junior Parker, Brook Benton and Big Maceo, whose Worried Life Blues (as Someday Baby) closes the set on an acoustic note. All the rest, however, are electric with assists from such luminaries as Steve Cropper and Elvin Bishop as well as Music Maker regulars like versatile drummer (and producer) Ardie Dean. The program is nicely varied, opening with the funky Hold On To Your Hiney and ranging through the sweet ballad A Rose For My Lady, the slow blues Stranded In St. Louis, a moody I’ll Take Care Of You, and Landlord Blues, which has more than a hint of southern-fried rock. The insistent minor-key riff of Soul Of A Man proves an effective vehicle for White’s understated but soulful vocals, as does Let’s Talk It Over, an unusually structured but intimate ballad.

It’s good to see Music Maker devoting its commendable efforts to neglected electric bluesmen as well as to its more usual acoustic performers. For his part, Albert White proves himself to be a thoroughly accomplished musician who should have particular appeal to fans of such contemporaries as Roy Roberts, Johnny Jenkins, and Roy Lee Johnson.

Source: Living Blues October 2007