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Eddie
Turner - The Turner Diaries
Northern Blues NBM0036
"The Turner Diaries" may only be Eddie Turner's second album,
but the Cuban born, Chicago based guitarist has a long blues pedigree.
Most recently this includes a five album stint helping to define the
Otis Taylor sound, and a well-received debut album, "Rise".
It is not difficult to spot Turner's guitar influences. Hendrix,
Peter Green (Green Manalishi era), and Carlos Santana can all be heard
at various points. The Hendrix influence particularly dominates the
opening psychedelic blues, "Dangerous", with Turner's vocals
also echoing the great man. That is not to say that the albumis all
up-front hard rocking psychedelic blues: Turner mixes things up nicely
in terms of both tempo and power on a good collection of strong original
songs. Alongside the more psychedelic material, jazz ("Cost of
Freedom"), funk ("New Day"), and Latin ("Confessions")
influences are openly on display. He even almost goes mainstream with
"Jody" where he almost veers into popular music territory.
The straightest blues song is saved till last, though: a very classy
interpretation of "I'm Tore Down". Turner shares the vocals,
and the song is driven along in nicely complementary fashion by walking
bass, brushed drums, and Turner playing slide.
"The Turner Diaries" shows that Eddie Turner is a good singer/songwriter
and a first rate guitar player hailing from the rockier end of the spectrum.
Turner implicitly knows that what you do not play is as important as
what you do play. The solos are invariably tight and neat, making a
point, but never stretching it too far. A lot of blues rock guitarists
would do well to listen and take note. Those who appreciate the likes
of Michael Powers will find plenty to admire here.
Rating: 7 - Gordon Baxter
From:
Blues in Britain
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