Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

L&A was originally set up by Tony Loeffler to distribute his own projects but now expanded, this sampler only serves to suggest that Loeffler has an excellent ear for rootsy rock talent! The sampler opens with three of his own songs, "Bright Lights" and 'Touched By Love" from "The Best Of The Rooftop' still sound fresh and reflect Tony's ability to create evocative songs backed by the flexible groove of The Blue Angels. His choice of Bob Dylan's "Blind Willie McTell" as a cover is outstanding with plenty of bluesy harmonica and sax, Next up is Blue Angel Wayne Scott Farley, who has been compared to Phil Keaggy and here you have the chance to hear two sides of his music. "Work Of Art" is taken from his brilliant 10 square rated 'When The Mists Have Rolled Away' CD and shows off his rockier tendencies. For your money you also get the chance to sample two songs from his "Glory Of The Lord' CD with "Monterey" giving his a chance to indulge in some wonderful country pickin' and "Shaken", a truly delightful inspirational almost prog rock piece which like all the others highlights Wayne's superb guitar skills. Less well known is Monty Lee Kimble who inhabits the same musical territory as a bluesy Clapton. Able to play sweet blues or scorching soulful R&B. sometimes in the same song! On "Blind Faith", he does just that and in the case of "What's Next", a blistering bluesy rock'n'roll shuffle! If you miss Stevie Ray Vaughan, this will grab you. Finally, to close off proceedings the wonderful left field unique surfer punk funk sound of Secret Age. The funky "Kwong Fat" and relentless groove of "Bopple Butch" are wonderfully infectious. If you like "real" music and not yet discovered the various delights of the artists compiled here, you've got to check them out! If only all compilations were as strong as this!

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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