Chris Daniels and The Kings – 40: Blues With Horns Volume II
Moon Voyage Records
10 songs – 42 minutes
Colorado-based Chris Daniels and The Kings have been delivering their horn-driven, soul-infused blues, funk and r’n’b for 40 years now, and 40: Blues With Horns Volume II is a fine celebration of both their longevity and – as their 20th album – their continued drive and creativity.
Daniels sings, plays electric, slide and acoustic guitars, writes songs, produced the album and even wrote the thoughtful and articulate liner notes. His highly impressive band includes Freddi Gowdy on vocals, John Thornburg on bass and vocals, Colin “Bones” Jones on guitar, Bob Rebholz on alto sax and flute, Darryl “Doody” Abrahamson on trumpet and vocals, and Darren Kramer on trombone. They are joined by some stellar guests, including Sam Bush on fiddle and mandolin, Sonny Landreth on slide guitar, Tom Capek on B3 and keyboards, Christian Teele on percussion, Steve Conn on accordion and B3, and Hazel Miller, Mark Oblinger, Linda Lawson, Robert Johnson and Kenny Andrus on backing vocals.
The album is a nice mixture of well-written originals, often written or co-written by Gowdy, a couple of songs from legendary songwriter Dave Steen (including the opening “Jump (When My Baby Says)”), a great cover of Landreth’s all-time classic “Congo Square”, and an unexpected but delightful version of Conway Twitty’s “When You’re Cool (The Sun Shines All The Time)”. It runs the gamut from the gentle, acoustic lilt of “Stealin’ Candy”, to the exuberant funk of “I Like Funky Music” and “I Like Your Shoes”, the swinging “Jump (When My Baby Says”), the guitar riff-driven “Under Pressure” and the irresistible Little Feat-esque interpretation of “When You’re Cool (The Sun Shines All The Time).”
40 was recorded primarily during a two-day live session at Colorado Sound Studios with engineer, Kevin Clock. Additional tracks were then added from guests across the country thanks to modern technical wizardry. The result is gorgeously warm sound, where each instrument clearly stands out, and this is an album that definitely repays close listening. Gosh, it’s a joy to hear a band swing with the technical precision and yet casual joy on something like “Everybody’s A Millionaire”, “Jump” or “When You’re Cool.” Particular kudos to Rebholz and Kramer for the superb horn charts.
With superb musicianship, cleverly-crafted songs, fine production and great singing, 40: Blues With Horns Volume II is a total delight from start to finish and is highly recommended.