Monday 27 January 2014

Paul Rodgers - The Royal Sessions



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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