BLUEPRINT (UK)

 

MARCH 1995

REVIEW OF: BOBBY MACK & NIGHTTRAIN

SUGAR ALL NIGHT (PROVOGUE)

Bobby Mack has had a relatively tough time trying to achieve the kind of status some of his fellow Texan blues guitar merchants have realized. This time, his latest studio album, released on Provogue, is by a considerable distance his best yet and showcases an artist more at ease with himself, his identity and musical style. Always a technically gifted guitarist, Mack has occasionally in the past been guilty of over elaboration, but here the style is lean and mean with a reliance on phrasing and rhythmic invention.

The benefits are clear to hear. The mix and excellent production assures a rounded sound which maximizes the balance of instrumentation and allows the music to breathe nicely. The SRV influence is obvious. But here Bobby Mack is maybe more entitled than most to live in the great man’s shadow -- hailing from Dallas and moving to Austin at the same time as Steve Ray. "Sooner Or later" has the same sense of southern urgency and vocal scat laced with fiery guitar that characterizes much of Vaughan’s work.

There are only two covers here. Both work well. A version of Charlie Rich’s "Don’t Put No Headstone On My Grave" sparkles with edgy tension and anticipation, whilst Chuck Berry’s "I Want To Be Your Driver" races along at a frantic Schumacher pace.

The self-written tracks have plenty of variety. The title track is an acoustic number with Sonny Boy harmonica by Paul Orta, "Lost My Way," a Freddie King funk type number with classy drumming by regular band member Dan Frezek. In fact the ensemble playing is tight throughout with Mack using his stage band - Bret Coats pins the bass down and Mark Goodwin adds very useful keyboards.

"The Rest Of My Life" is a fine slow blues - tender without approaching pathos with a lovely solo from Goodwin. "Block Party" is a pure goodtime instrumental that shuffles a long with added handclaps and Texas groove. My favorite track is the catchy "Goodthing" which benefits from a nice soulful feel and backing vocals.

I was surprised by just how good this release is. It’s definitely well worth a serious listen and I am genuinely pleased for Bobby Mack. After all the hard work he’s put in touring these last few years he deserves a break. A mature product from a maturing artist.

Keith Fitton

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