Reese Wynans and Friends - Sweet Release

by Lisa Torem

published: 14 / 5 / 2019

Reese Wynans and Friends - Sweet Release

Label: Provogue
Format: CD

Excellent new album from keyboardist Reese Wynans, which produced by Joe Bonamassa, includes a series of special guests such as Sam Moore

Review

With killer guests such as Joe Bonamassa, who sang, played guitar and produced the album, plus Keb’ Mo’, Vince Gill and Sam Moore of Sam and and Dave fame, Reese Wynan’s new release, ‘Reese Wynans and Friends: Sweet Release,’ was destined to be a surefire hit. Wynans is the keyboard extraordinaire in Joe Bonamassa’s touring band, as well. The album contains thirteen tunes. Energy percolates immediately with the dynamic ‘Crossfire’. The twelve-bar instrumental ‘Say What’ has all the trimmings, but Wynans and his bonafide organ ice the cake. ‘That Driving Beat’ is sax-sumptuous and brilliantly plaited with jubilant singers. ‘You’re Killing My Love’ is a scintillating, slow burn. Doyle Bramhall II doubles on great vocals and lead guitar; Tommy Shannon kills it on bass and when Wynans adds his shazam there is just no turning back. The idea for ‘Sweet Release’ came to light when Bonamassa asked Wynans to perform a concert, featuring Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Water covers. It’s not hard to figure out what happened next. Keeping in mind the luminaries that came beforehand, they made sure to include ‘Crossfire,’ ‘Say What,’ ‘Riviera Paradise’ and ‘Hard to Be’ as they were terrific Stevie Ray Vaughan gems and major influencers. On the title track, Bonamassa displays gentle strums; the shared, transparent vocals are velvety smooth as is the Gospel choir. Kenny Wayne Shepherd heads off the vocals and sweetens the deal on lead guitar on ‘Shape I’m in’. Wynans adds juke joint embellishments. The exuberant trading off, luckily, never ends. Pau. Cerra’s horn arrangements shimmer as do Bonnie Bramlett and Jimmy Hall’s harmonies on ‘Hard to Be’. The lyrics are frank and powerful too: “It’s hard for me to keep arms’ length from my baby…” On ‘Riviera Paradise,’ Wynans leads off with an ambient run. Though both soloists, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Joe Bonamassa contrast exquisitely in this other-worldly dreamscape. Sip a dry martini and sport tie and tails for this vintage stunner. Mike Henderson’s blues harp cannot be disregarded on ‘So Much Trouble’. That’s Joe Bonamassa on vocals—he’s strong and impassioned as ever. Think less is blessedly more when you tune in to ‘I’ve Got a Right to Be Blue’. Wynans and Mo’, the latter takes on guitar and lead vocals, are two stars that leave their egos at the door and give their all. Lamar Carter’s percussion is spot on and Wynans, wow! But it’s Travis Carlton’s sexy bass line that provides a specious palette for this full-on extravaganza. Some say, “Save the best for last.” That said, the closer is Sir Paul McCartney’s ‘Blackbird,’ which is well worth the price of ‘Sweet Release,’ alone. In case you were wondering how Wynans carries on when not placating the rock ‘n’ roll or blues/rock crowds, you’ll get your answer here. Wynan’s contemporary piano solo draws out the raw and essential beauty of this popular classic, providing a delectable ending to an undeniably ‘Sweet Release’.

Track Listing:-

1 Crossfire
2 Say What!
3 That Driving Beat
4 You’re Killing My Love
5 Sweet Release
6 Shape I'm In
7 Hard To Be
8 Riviera Paradise
9 Take The Time
10 So Much Trouble
11 I’ve Got A Right To Be Blue
12 Soul Island
13 Blackbird