Search - Bel Airs :: Got Love

Blues and soul from the Heartland

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 08/19/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Missouri trio is part of the roots-rock axis that famously revolves around Springfield. Though the Bel Airs are from Columbia, they have much in common with their Springfield-based producer Lou Whitney and the various bands in which he has a hand, including The Skeletons, Morells and Domino Kings (the latter two of which, together with Brian Capps, all dropped new Whitney-produced releases on Hightone at the same time as this Bel Airs disc).



Where the Domino Kings lean on country and honky-tonk roots, and the Morells on roots-rock, the Bel Airs are more dyed-in-the-wools of blues, soul and R&B. The three-piece line up is based on a fat rhythm section powered by former Paladins' drummer Mike Cherry; they're fronted by Dick Pruitt's husky vocals and brother David Pruitt's strong electric guitar playing. Sax and organ are provided on a few cuts by guests, but the core threesome remains the focus, providing the rootsy feel of The Blasters.



Highpoints include a rough-yet-slinky cover of "Got Love If You Want It," the bluesy doo-wop of Earl King's "Those Lonely, Lonely Nights," and the soulfulness of The Tams'/Bill Deal's "What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am)." With such a great repertoire and the chops to make these songs really swing, this is clearly a band you'd like to hear playing Friday night at your local juke joint; their latest CD brings the club home to your living room! [©2005 hyperbolium dot com]"