Edwin Holt – Second Time Around (Topcat Records).

Backed by the members of Johnnie Taylor’s band, vocalist and harmonica player Edwin Holt describes this album as “blues with funk on the side” and it’s difficult to disagree on the evidence of the 13 tracks on offer. He opens with the powerful I Don’t Think I’m Going To Make It and don’t be fooled by the understated start. Holt displays a strong voice and the band provides a rounded sound. The title track drifts off into a relaxing soul/R&B feel before Holt unleashes some surging harp and a pounding rhythm section for the self-penned Red Clay Back Road Mama. This is a fine blues indeed. You’re In For A Big Surprise is loaded with horns and gives a Big Easy sound with Holt continuing the excel on vocal. The funk comes in the shape of Back Line with its snappy bass line and organ. Holt’s voice takes on this new style with ease and the song, whilst not outstanding, is pleasant fare. He stays in the same vein for Somebody’s Getting’ It before returning to R&B on Steal Away where his voice is strangely reminiscent of Daryl Hall. There’s more guitar work creeping in as the album goes on and I’m certainly not complaining about that.

Jack About Nothin’ confirms my feeling that Holt seems to favour the R&B route and why not as he’s very good at it and certainly has the voice for it! I Want To Walk With You is a slow bluesy stroller and we get right back to the blues with Down To The Bone. The slide guitar makes this medium paced rocking blues a favourite. The classiest track on the album is The Right Reverend Of The Blues with the church organ at the start to give the air of authenticity. This is a thoroughly enjoyable swinging blues that goes off into a Blues Brothers style speeded up finish. A cover of Stevie Wonders Higher Ground is a surprise on a blues album but Holt funks it up, if that could be possible, and makes it a bit more staccato than the original. The vocal is great and the bass from Wes Stephenson is stylish on this very good cover. Holt closes with One More River To Cross and the emotion filled vocal is a tremendous way to finish.

http://www.topcatrecords.com/

David Blue.