Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  Ain't No Good Life by Rusty Wright Blues


Ain't No Good Life cover art

Artist: Rusty Wright Blues
Title: Ain't No Good Life
Catalogue Number: Sadson Music 2062006
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2006



Starting off with the message that the blues are everywhere, Rusty Wright launches a mission to raise our spirits. This fine collection of songs has a good natured feel that is missing from so much modern music. However, this does not mean that it lacks fire in its belly. Rusty makes his guitar sing, spit fire or soothe the soul depending on the song. 


One of the difficulties that reviewers come across is what to actually write about. Reviews are written to a certain length so a decision has to be made on what gets left out. With an album of this quality, that is a tough one. The band play the blues with a vengeance but Rusty's guitar has that downhome southern rock feel. Anyway, we have to pick a few favourites. "Do it again" washes over you like warm summer rain refreshing the spirit as it goes. There is a storm brewing in "Long Time Comin'". The version of the old Gershwin standard "Summertime" with Laurie LaCross-Wright on vocals is outstanding, bringing new life to a song we all know so well. Given the BluesBunny fondness for loud guitars, we would have to nominate "Hell on My Heels" as the killer track. BluesBunny has to admit to playing our (air) guitar along with this song. An embarrassing admission but it had to be done. The spirit overcame us.


Kind of like Poppa Chubby without the urban aggression, the warmth and honesty of this band's performance (and it does sound like a band playing, not just a bunch of session musicians) will charm you. Any album that can leave you smiling is fine with us. Smile we did and so will you. Ain't no good life? BluesBunny thinks this album makes life good. This is quality. No doubt about it. Available from CD Baby.


www.rustywrightblues.com
Reviewer:
Review Date: June 22 2007