JOHN KAY:2004 Heretics & Privateers (Rainman RMO 4022)

John Kay remains an interesting artist, some 30-plus years after his Steppenwolf roared across the nation’s hit lists. Kay and Steppenwolf are still out there, playing and recording but this is a true labor of love – a solo album that takes him back to his blues/folk roots.

After hearing it, sure, all those memories of the 60’s and 70’s came back, but mostly of what a fine and unusual voice he has and how deep those blues/folk roots run.

Kay’s songs remain personal and with them come a well-planned dose of personal and social comment. He has some excellent help with former Wet Willie frontman Jimmy Hall, in particular, reminding us what a fine harmonica player he is.

There’s a nice balance of acoustic and non-acoustic arrangements here and all the songs are interesting and well-done. But the straight blues acoustic numbers are brilliant in their simplicity and honesty. I would very much like to hear more of John Kay’s country blues and his acoustic music. Brown Burnett

Personnel: John Kay (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Gary Nicholson (guitar); Danny Johnson, Larry Byrom, Steve Cropper (electric guitar); Mike Henderson (electric slide guitar, harmonica); Lex Price (mandolin, bass guitar); Jimmy Hall (harmonica); Mike Utley (piano); Michael Wilk (organ, keyboards, fretless bass, percussion); Glenn Worf (double bass, bass guitar); John Gardner , Ron Hurst, David Posey (drums).

Full Scans Included...

Tracks:

1. Heretics & Privateers
2. Don't Waste My Time
3. Ain't That a Shame
4. Dodging Bullets
5. She's Got the Goods
6. For the Women in My Life
7. To Be Alive
8. I Will Not Be Denied
9. Endless Commercial
10. Ice Age, The
11. Sleep With One Eye Open
12. Back Page, The
13. She's Got the Goods - (Acoustic)
14. For the Women in My Life - (Acoustic)
15. I Will Not Be Denied - (Acoustic)
16. Endless Commercial - (Acoustic)

Details
.. Year: 2004
.. Label: Rainman 402
.. Bitrate: 320kbps
.. Home-Page: http://www.steppenwolf.com/s/w/johnkay.html
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/johnkayandsteppenwolf
.. Last fm: www.last.fm/music/John+Kay
.. Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kay_(musician)
.. Buy: http://cdbaby.com/cd/johnkay

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