August 2015

Albert Cummings

Someone Like You

This is a stellar piece of work, all tunes written by Cummings and done in a straight-ahead fashion with no hot-dogging, no showboating, just good playing by all parties involved, with the music the thing that is of importance. With a list of bandmates on the album that consists of Jimmy Vivino on guitar, Mike Finnigan on organ, Reggie McBride on bass, Tony Braunagel on drums and Teresa James on background vocals, Albert can feel confident that all the bases will be covered, leaving him free to play guitar with all the power and passion he can muster…and that is one area he has no problem with whatsoever. From the hard-driving blues/rock to soulful ballads this band nails it, start to finish. Cummings is a great songwriter and storyteller. All blues worth listening to is based on personal experience. The fact of the matter is that truth rings as such in the heart of the listener. The days of factories where songwriters write for performers may not be done but when it comes to blues, truth is the all-important element. It may not have to be based on your life personally but, as an artist, if an audience is going to buy it, it has to be believable…and if you can sing it from first-hand experience, drawing upon the emotions of that moment, it comes across with power and an emotional element that the crowd can relate to. Any time an audience member can sit back and say “That same thing happened to me.” the band has them…hook, line and sinker. Albert Cummings’ Someone Like You is right on the money from a musical standpoint, both technically near perfect and packed with emotional power. This is another one of those pieces that is easy on the ear and fun to listen to. Bottom line, this is a great album from the opening notes of track one to the close of the final cut. Smooth as a well-aged bourbon and able to warm you through and through just about as well, this is another piece that would make a good addition to any blues-lover’s collection. This one is a keeper. – Bill Wilson

Website – http://albertcummings.com/

FaceBook – https://www.facebook.com/albertcummingsmusic

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=albert+cummings

iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/someone-like-you/id1000816021

Albert Cummings: Someone Like You Review

Someone Like You is the exciting new album from carpenter turned blues-man, Albert Cummings. There are plenty of great tunes, soulful vocals and of course there is a plethora of ferocious guitar work. The sonic territory is diverse but well executed.

The album opens with the hard driving rocker “No Doubt.” Immediately the David Z production is heard. The snare drum will take your head off. The Z and Cummings combination is a winner from the outset. All of the tracks have a very muscular sound. Even the ballads sound tough.

Some highlights include, the Delbert McClinton inspired swagger of ”I Found You” and the southern rock ballad “So Strong.” Both demonstrate Cumming’s Gregg Allman-esque vocals very nicely. The up tempo boogie rock of “Stay Away From My Sister” and the slow blues “Little Bird” are good examples of what Albert can do with more traditional forms. The latter showcases Albert’s well honed phrasing and ability to solo in a jazz style over traditional blues changes. One of the most interesting tracks is the instrumental “Meatlocker.” Here Albert gets into Robben Ford territory soloing effortlessly over the rhythm changes in the chorus. These forays into jazz-blues are a real treat and leave the listener longing for more.

Someone Like You is Albert’s seventh album and his first collaboration David Z. and guest guitarist Jimmy Vivino. Over the years, Albert Cummings has gained a reputation for putting out consistently good material and Someone Like You continues that tradition.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– No Doubt
– I Found You
– Finally In Love
– So Strong
– Meatlocker

The Big Hit

– I Found You

Review by Lou Lombardi

Archives for August 2015

Albert Cummings: Someone Like You Review