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RONNIE EARL Test Of Time (Black Top) Ronnie Earl was the lead guitarist with Roomfull Of Blues before going solo; this compilation covers his first nine years, and six albums. From Smokin' (1982) there is 'Ronnie Johnnie', Howlin' Wolf's 'Ridin' In The Moonlight', Deakdric Malone's 'I Smell Trouble', and and Earl's killer instrumental 'Baby Doll Blues'. The first three feature Kim Wilson on vocals and harp; and you would swear you were listening to the ealy Fabulous Thunderbirds. From They Call Me Mr Earl (1984) you get the very jazzy 'Narcolepsy' and 'Sugar Ray' Norcia on vocals singing 'You Give Me Nothing But The Blues', and 'Waiting For My Chance'. Soul Searching (1988) featured two fantastic instrumentals , one being the title track and the other being Albert Collins' 'Backstroke'. The latter also features Roomfull Of Blues guitarist Duke Robillard; also Darrell Nulisch performs the very soulful 'Ships Passing In The Night'. Peace Of Mind (1990) features Darrell again, and the selection is more soul than blues i.e. 'I Want To Shout About It', 'I Wish You Could See Me Now', Darrell's own 'I Cried My Eyes Out, and T-Bone Walker's classic 'T-Bone Boogie' that really swings. My favourite track on Test Of Time comes from Herbert Sumlin's Blues Party (1986), and this is 'A Soul That Has Been Abused', and this features the very soulful vocals of Mighty Sam McClain. Ronnie's playing on this is so delightfully gentle and blue.From Surrounded By Love (1991) both 'Sugar Ray' (vocals/harp) and the legendary Robert Jr Lockwood (second guitar) feature on 'One Of These Mornings'. Also featured are two incredible instrumentals i.e. 'Earl Hooker's 'Off The Hook' and Ronnie's own 'Akos'. The latter is an amazing track to see live. Of Ronnie's more recent albums, do check out the very jazzy The Colour Of Love that features the Santana influenced 'Bonnie's Theme'; and Gregg Allman and Jaimoe from The Allman Brothers feature on 'Everyday Kind Of Man'. There is a truly blues version of Monk's 'Round Midnght', and the Allman's influenced title track. There are five dedication tracks, and they are 'I liked That Thing You Did' (Jimmie Vaughan), 'Anne's Dream' (Anne Frank), 'Heart Of Glass (Peter Green), 'Mother Angel' (Kay Landry) and 'O' Yeah' (Albert Collins). The Colour Of Love is a very cool late night album, and also features guest sax player Hank Crawford.Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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