Albert Cummings Hits the Nail on the Head with his Best Release to Date
By Dave Rubin
Virtuoso house-rocking guitarist, singer and songwriter Albert Cummings has fulfilled the exceptional promise of his early career with No Regrets, his sensational sixth album due out August 28. Combining his varied influences of rock, R&B, country and pop with the overriding soul and emotional firepower of the blues, he has produced a masterpiece of roots-based American music. Maturity has served him well as his vocals have acquired gravitas over time, becoming more expressive and nuanced, while his writing has reached another plateau of seamless song craft that is as stimulating for the mind as the body.
Muscular blues-rock or deep and introspective ballads provide musical nourishment within the strikingly original compositions that comprise the bulk of the performance. A fresh and vibrant cover of Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” is proof positive that when the creative juices are flowing this freely, they transform everything they touch.
Throwing down the gauntlet to his peers in the heavyweight guitar division, Cummings blisters the strings of his Stratocaster with grace and effortless ease, while not being afraid to throttle down and demonstrate the power of taste and restraint. Most importantly, he knows how to play to the song better than ever, supporting his lyric content and vocal delivery with consummate accompaniment.
If anyone thought Albert Cummings was laying back and coasting on past accomplishments the past couple of years, they will be in for a welcome surprise when they hear his new release. More like the shock of recognition when you hear an unexpected musical triumph that is the mark of a major artist who has broken through to undeniable greatness.