Foghat – Sonic Mojo
Foghat Records
12 tracks/43 minutes
2023 was the 53nd year of Foghat and this November release features the band in superb form. This is in their vintage rock style with some blues and rocking bluesy stuff, the kind of sound Foghat was famous for. The album pays tribute to Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown who died just over a year ago. He’d written some songs with the band, and they are featured here along with some classic blues cuts and their own originals.
Foghat now consists of Roger Earl on the drums, Bryan Bassett on lead and slide guitar (also played with Molly Hatchet and Wild Cherry), and bassist Rodney O’Quinn (from the Pat Travers Band). Scott Holt is the newset guy on the block, a member of their side project band Earl & the Agitators for 8 years, on vocals and guitar; he’s worked with Buddy Guy.
Starting us off is one of Simmonds’ co-authored songs, “She’s A Little Bit of Everything.” This one is a driving rocker with howling vocals and big, ringing guitar. One can close their eyes and be transported back to their earlier stuff and sound, truly some cool stuff that hearkens back to their early days and to Savoy Brown. “I Don’t Appreciate You” is an original that could be today or from the 1970s. Bouncing rock with a driving beat and more big, bold guitar licks.
“Mean Woman Blues” follows, a song written for Elvis and his 1957 film Loving You. It was also covered in 1963 by Roy Orbison and is a staple cover for many rock and blues bands. Foghat delivers it in their signature sound and style with ample guitar licks to savor. Next is another cool Simmonds’ tune entitled “Drivin’ On.” Guitars and drum rim shots provide the groove for the song for about a minute and half and then all hell breaks loose with a big, guitar solo and the band fleshes whings out fully.
Willie Dixon’s “Let Me Love You Baby” was first recorded by Buddy Guy in 1961 and gets a rocking rendition here. Guitar licks abound and get traded back and forth as the band lets loose. Things then slow down for Howlin’ Wolf’s “How Many More Years.” More ample guitar soloing and support are featured here.
Rodney Crowell’s “Song For The Life” is next, a big change of pace. Originally recorded by Seldom Seen, a blue grass band, Crowell later recorded it, and then Allan Jackson has a top ten hit with it in 1995. This version is more rock and is done with some cool slide. The original tune “Wish I’d Been There” follows, another slower, midtempo piece with even more slide and a true country vibe. The pedal steel and slide are up front as the band pays tribute lyrically to Hank Williams.
Simmonds’ “Time Slips Away” is up next, a softer, rock ballad with big, ringing guitar. They then grind out “Black Days & Blue Nights,” a hard, rocking piece. Growling vocals, heavy guitar licks and a big, rocking sound are what this song is all about.
B.B. Kings “She’s Dynamite” is up next and is given a full rock cover. They offer some restraint as they rock out; it’s certainly not the old B.B. version (which was very much in the style of Louis Jordan with swinging guitar, sax and piano), but this one’s also well done. The album concludes with “Promised Land,” a jumping cover of Chuck Berry’s hit. Done in a more rockabilly style, Foghat finishes off with a cool rendition and caps off a fun album of great stuff.
A half dozen originals and a half dozen super covers give an enjoyable listen as this version of the band pays tribute to Kim Simmonds and delivers some fantastic music in the Foghat style. I was not sure what to expect but I was not disappointed. I gave this many a listen and I and sure I’ll be giving it many more spins- well done!
