Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This independent release from veteran Bronx singer/songwriter and Christian Dion Dimucci - famous for '50s hits such as "Runaround Sue" and "The Wanderer" - proves that the 76 year old still has it in abundance in terms of style, sound and voice. With the help of co-writer Mike Aquilina, Dion has never sounded better and uses part of the album to pay homage to his Big Apple home in the likes of "Can't Go Back To Memphis" and the Chuck Berry-like "The Apollo King" - the latter also paying tribute to legendary saxophonist Big Al Sears. Elsewhere, the world weary minor key blues of "Aces Up Your Sleeve" benefits from a stellar guitar solo from the album's producer and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Vivino whilst a duet with fellow New Yorker Paul Simon on the title track is an undoubted highlight. Keeping his feet firmly planted in blues territory, Dion throws in a couple of covers ("Katie Mae" and "I Ain't For It" by Lightnin' Hopkins and Tampa Red respectively) whilst the contemplative "Visionary Heart" is the nearest we get to spiritual content. It's not all solid gold though with workmanlike numbers such as "Ride With You" and "I'm All Rocked Up" feeling more like filler than killer but this is nonetheless another quality release from one of the few enduring original rock 'n' rollers.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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