From Blues Bites
making gaines
In the vein of righteous, Southern-bred blues-rock
everywhere comes a gem from the late Lynyrd Skynyrd as man STEVE GAINES. Gaines, who
died in the legendary plane crash in October '77 that also killed bandmate Ronnie VanZant
and sister Cassie Gaines, left behind a legacy of blues-influenced Midwestern-tinged
rock. On the new release "Okie Special," Gaines and an assorted cast of
pale rip right through both standards and some of Gaines' best original material.
The album occupies the speakers with an authority, much like Gaines did on the
stage. The album creates the feel of a smoky, dank blues hall right around
midnight. |
The sound is full, broad and though it pays
homage to some of the great blues and rock musicians of our time, it retains a
crispness not often found on lesser-produced blues records. The party kicks
off with Gaines and crew ripping through Bo Diddley's classic "Road Runner,"
offering up their own interpretation while staying close to the song's original
intentions. From there, Gaines cuts into "You Talk Too Much."
Perhaps the best track is "I Don't Want To Lose." Recorded live, the song
is a Delta-lullaby of weeping guitars with a "Bellbottom Blues" feel. The
finale to "Okie Special," is the foot-tappin' "Fanny Mae," a
light-hearted romp with the classic blues feel. Gaines' "Okie Special" is
a surprisingly strong record. It's a fitting tribute to a gifted guitarist who may
not garner the attention of peers like Clapton, but who certainly demands equal respect.
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