Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters - Still River (1994)
November 22, 1993 | Original Release Date: 1994 | Audioquest | ASIN: B000003HKH
APE+CUE+LOG+PAR2+COVERS | RAR | 337.45 MB
This
particular version of the Broadcasters was unarguably magical, and this
recording reveals why. Recorded four years after Earl dealt with his
demons (alcohol, drugs, nervous collapse), it is the first of a string
of all-instrumental albums by Earl, and it drips with class and soul.
It's not just the exceptional skill of the players, however, that makes
it so special; it was recorded on one of a handful of audiophile labels
(AudioQuest), and therefore features state-of-the-art production. From
the ringing opening chords of Magic Sam's "Blues for the West Side" to
the beautiful acoustic guitar/piano duet of "Derek's Peace," Still
River is thoroughly enjoyable. "Kansas City Monarch" is slow and sweet,
featuring Bruce Katz tearing up the low notes, a nice sax solo by
Anders Gaardmand, and some great double-string work by Earl. There is a
moody version of John Coltrane's "Equinox" and a bog-dwelling rouser
written by the entire band called "Chili Ba Hugh." You'll also like the
greasy Hammond B3 organ on "Soul Serenade." A tempo change three
minutes into the song suddenly finds the listener "getting religion"
and tempted to yell "Amen!." Earl's own "Rego Park Blues" also
showcases some nice B3 and finds Earl in the place where he shines the
brightest, delicately coaxing a hushed solo from his Strat. Although
not as jazzy as Earl's subsequent efforts, Still River sows the seeds
that sprouted a few years later with Language of the Soul and with the
albums that followed.
Tracklist:
1. Blues For The West Side
2. Time To Remember
3. Kansas City Monarch
4. Szeren
5. Soul Serenade
6. Equinox
7. Chili Ba Hugh
8. Eyes That Smile
9. Wednesday Night At The Bull
10. Rego Park Blues
11. Derek's Peace
Credit:
Ted Drozdowski Liner Notes
Marc Norberg Photography
Merlin Clarke Art Direction, Design
Michael C. Ross Engineer
Hillary Weiss Art Direction, Design
Jacques Chenet Photography
Bruce Katz Organ, Piano, Horn Arrangements, Main Performer
Rod Carey Bass, Main Performer
Laurence Etkin Trumpet
Anders Gaardmand Saxophone
Bernie Grundman Mastering
Per Hanson Drums, Main Performer
Joe Harley Producer
Fred Kevorkian Assistant Engineer
Ronnie Earl Guitar, Main Performer
http://rapidshare.com/files/31829545/RETBSR.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/31835221/RETBSR.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/31840488/RETBSR.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/31842575/RETBSR.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/150987374/1994_-_Still_River.part1.rar.html