Not Queen or Corgies
Paul Rodgers requires little fanfare in promoting any music
he puts his legendary vocal to performing – accepting perhaps the Queen ‘sessions’,
not that I minded these as he brings unique class to whatever he sings, not
that I heard these renditions in any great depth apart from casual viewing on
the television.
I never got to see Rodgers with Free nor Bad Company, but I
did catch him live twice: the first time when he was promoting Muddy Water Blues – perhaps his best
solo album with those brilliant bluesrock songs and guest guitarists [the outstanding vocal gets taken as read] – and then a few years later when he toured the Now and Live release. I will never
forget seeing Free for the first time on The
Old Grey Whistle Test, launching Tons
of Sobs, to this day one of the most memorable debuts ever.
This latest release has Paul singing soul classics he first
bought as 45s and which influenced him as a musician and singer. Recorded at
Memphis’ Royal Studios, apparently with many musicians who played on the
original versions, the songs are faithful not so much in aping those first
versions, but in the control exercised in the performance: each song as short
and sweet as when initially released, so no extensions and contemporary flourishes,
and most significantly, Rodgers’ vocal is restrained – well, there is such an
inherent power there, but what I mean is he never has to force or overstate the
performance. He sings simply, letting the classic melodies and his distinctive
tone merge to a natural, pure effect. All of the songs were recorded live with
the band in the studio and on analogue equipment, so the authenticity is a
broad stroke. The band line-up is [taken from the Paul Rodgers website]:
Reverend Charles Hodges [Hammond B3], Michael Tolls [guitar], LeRoy Hodges Jr.
[bass], ‘Hubby’ Archie Turner [Wurlitzer], Steve Potts and James Robertson Sr.
[drums], The Royal Horns and the Royal Singers.
Where many rock vocalists increasingly turn to revisiting
the ‘Standards Songbook’, as if it is a vocal pilgrimage they must undertake as
they grow older gracefully, Paul Rodgers’ covering of these soul classics –
songs like I Can’t Stand The Rain, I’ve
Been Loving You Too Long, That’s How Strong My Love Is and Born Under A Bad Sign - seems as innate
as continuing to perform Free and Bad Company familiars.
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