Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

One of New York's most renowned blues venues plays host to Rhett Tyler's blues explosion. I thought the studio album was kicking but live, Rhett takes it to a whole new level. Backed by bassist John "Sly" Geralds and drummer Keith Carlock, this trio kicks up a storm in a live setting and this is a real treat -17 songs captured on a double CD in all their passionate fervour. His 11-minute cover of the Robert Johnson classic "Crossroads" is an extended workout that simply allows Rhett to let his fingers flow across the frets. Impressive stuff. "Power Of the Blues" is a slow cook of a blues tune where he's joined by two other guitarists who trade licks for a few minutes bringing a smile to my face. The second CD opens up with a flying version of "Walking By Myself but it's the extended slow blues of "Hell Hound" which really catches the attention here before the band explode into the incredible 12-minute "Boogie Down To Texas". As the title suggests, it is pure boogie with plenty of opportunity to enjoy even more of Rhett's guitar playing. As the live set progresses, it just gets better with every change of emotion as Rhett runs through his own crowd pleasing "My Passion", "Walking In The Spirit" and the closing "How Long Blues" where Jimmy Vivino adds an extra guitar and again solos are swapped. Smokin'! The set closes with a solo acoustic "Devil Got Hold" that shows Rhett's versatility. This is blues at its best, raw, emotional and inspired.

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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