Search - Dave Specter, Bill Smith Barkin :: Bluebird Blues

Ronnie Is Still A Too Well Kept Secret

mitch arney | North Carolina | 06/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the BLUES genre, Ronnie's tremendous talent has yet to be "discovered" by most of the, so called, Blues Populous. His articulation and ability have, most unfortunately, evaded the general music top lists. A virtuoso who has been shaded in the past decade ala Stevie Ray, Johnny Lang, Kenny Shepard has yet to have his truly remarkable talent for playing widely noticed. When it comes right down to sheer 'feel' and his broad range of blued and jazz infusion, Ronnie doesn't take a back seat. His emotive playing grabs you in the gut and holds you. How many blues players are there that can captivate a live audience for an hour and a half without a word ever being sung. Any guitar affectionato should have the privilege of listening to this man's sobering abilities. Ronnie's is not just a talent, he is a gift. The 4 star rating here is only because I feel Ronnie does it best when he's connected, eyes closed, playing to the listener."

Retro-styled Blues

Douglas MacRae | Toronto | 04/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dave Specter and Ronnie Earl are together on this excellent recording. They swap solos between Barkin' Bill Smith's smooth baritone vocals. I have to say that as much as I enjoy the guitars, it's Bill Smith that I keep comin' back to this one for. A seasoned singer around the Chicago area since the '50's with roots in the swing blues of Count Basie - think Joe Williams, or Big Joe Turner. The band really swings on more than a couple of songs, like Things I'd Do For You, Tell Me What's The Reason, and Wind Chill. These three excellent musicians are joined by Ken Saydak on keyboards, Bob Stroger on bass, and saxaphonists Dez Desormeaux and Red Groetzinger. Deitra Farr sings on Our Course Is Run. This is great stuff.***** Highly recommended!"