Search - Kirk Fletcher :: I'm Here & I'm Gone: Tenth Anniversary (Reis)

Great chops

6 String Guy | 10/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Kirk Eli Fletcher - I'm Here and I'm Gone



As I write this on 10/14/09 it is surprising that there no other reviews of this CD yet. This is a reissue of a CD from 1999 and now includes 4 bonus tracks. The extra tracks are the original demo sides Kirk cut that got him the recording opportunity with JSP. This is an excellent CD and really boasts Kirk's outstanding guitar skills. This guy can really play! If you like hot contemporary electric blues guitar, you should really check him out on this CD or some of his other recordings.



There are several vocalists on this and my preference is for the 4 Jackie Payne tracks, several of which are longer and really give Kirk a chance to stretch out, specifically I'm Not Your Fool and Silver Spoon. John Marx handles vocals on 3 tracks and does a solid job, while Roosevelt Caldwell sang the 4 demo tracks. There are also 4 instrumentals including Mr. Mann ( I assume a tribute to Hollywood Fats) and Watsonized (for Junior Watson?). The 4 demo tracks are also well done with the guitar sound a little more dirty than on the main tracks. I Smell trouble was the highlight of the bonus tracks for me.



Overall, this is excellent contemporary blues featuring an outstanding guitarist. I would probably rate this 4 1/2 stars but that is not an option so I'm going with 4 as I try to reserve the 5 stars for the stuff that really knocks me flat. Definitely recommended."