Search - Kirk Fletcher :: I'm Here & I'm Gone

A Winning Release From JSP

deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In many respects JSP records is becoming to Blues what GRP Records has become to Jazz. A stable of fine musicians that seem equally comfortable taking the lead on a CD as they are playing as part of the rhythm section on someone else's CD. At the forefront of this master plan seems to be JSP producer/musician/writer Jimmy Morello. In what is becoming typical fashion, Morello has assembled several players that appear on other JSP releases including Paul Fasulo on Drums, Tom Mahon on Piano, Jonny Vian on Tenor Sax, Troy Jennings on Baritone Sax and vocalist's Jackie Payne and John Marx. All or most of these musicians appear on Kris Wiley's "Breaking the Rules", Jimmy Morello's "Can't be Denied" and Jackie Payne's "Day in the Life of a Bluesman". All that being said, there is not one bad piece on this CD. Morello and Fletcher have penned some very good, thoughtful lyrics for Jackie Payne and John Marx while the band, led by the stellar playing of Fletcher, seamlessly move from Jazzy Swing to Horn-Driven Soul to Chicago Style Blues, never missing a step. All told, its another fine JSP release and a very nice debut for Eric Fletcher. Buy it, you won't be disappointed."

Seriously talented young man.

P.J. Le Faucheur | Canada (ex- U.K. resident) | 10/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kirk Eli Fletchers rare debut CD on John Stedmans British label (JSP) reminds me of the raw bite and attack found with guitar legends like Hollywood Fats and Luther Allison. This CD is worthy of ten stars.

Every track is tremendous on here and Kirk Eli shines on the slow blues songs like "Silver Spoon" & "I'm not your fool". Jackie Paynes vocals are worthy of attention (alot like Bobby Blue Bland). Fletchers Gibson Goldtop Les Paul sounds gritty, traces of early Peter Green can be heard. He's also very jazzy and doesn't rely on the usual staple of blues cliches."Church St. Boogie" shows this to us. There's a full big band on here but it doesn't stop Kirk Eli from stretching out on guitar and burning up the road. The musicianship from all of the band is of the highest level. This CD has to be one of JSP labels masterpieces. Blues does not come any better than this one.

It's so wonderful to see a young black guy playing Blues guitar with so much feel and emotion at a time when people can only recall SRV, K. W. Shepard and Jonny Lang.

If you can find this c.d. GET it and hold on to it. Also keep a close watch on K.E. Fletcher because this guy is bound to go far. I sincerely hope he goes the full distance because the Blues world needs artists like him.

* If you don't believe me search out the clip of this young man on "youtube".

He is playing a slow blues on a Strat. He'll burn you into the ground like napalm. You won't believe what you are hearing!!"