Ron Addison – Ride On | Album Review

Ron Addison – Ride On

Self Released

https://ronaddison.com/

12 tracks

Ride On is Ron Addison’s testament to moving his life along after great personal loss. His wife of 44 years passed away and his work here was a means to help deal with his grief and feelings. Careers in the military as a chopper pilot and Virginia as a State Trooper who began a full time career as a musician when he retired. His band the Tomcats are Herb Olshin on lead guitar, Brian Seiler is on drums, and Will Dowell on the bass. Addison handles the vocals and plays some guitar, too. Blending blues and rock, this is his second album.

The title track begins with a deep bass groove and Olshin giving us a taste of his riffs. Addison’s vocals are soulful as he sings about moving his life along. The guitar solo and lead is great. “There Must Be A Better World” follows, a song about life’s struggles but expressing hope there is a better existence elsewhere. The organ fills in nicely here and the guitar work is good, but it’s Ron’s weathered, country tinged voice that really gives this feeling.  Next is “Carletta,” with a bit of a Latin flair. Olshin offers another nice solo and Addison winds his way well through this one.

“Picnic With You” is a first date story about a picnic where the “meal” was served up by the participants, resulting in an unexpected addition eight months later, but they persevered and revisited the scene of the crime to reprise the outing. Olshin stings on guitar and Addison continues to deliver his downhome styled vocals to good effect. Up next is is “The Sun Shine Down My Way,” a slow bluesy ballad with piano and sax added. It’s a pretty litle number. “Hoo Doo” follows that, with Addison getting grittier and offering up a slow rocking song with a little Latin influence to boot. The guitar work is expressive and it’s another fun romping cut.

Ron delivers a tasteful cover or the hit “Rainy Night In Georgia.” His country-tinged vocals, piano, organ and guitar help sell this one. “And I Know” offers up a steady groove and strident beat. Great accompanying vocals and harp and guitar solos make this one good. “I’ll Cry” is another smooth ballad with some restrained guitar work. “Down On The River” features more strident guitar and an up tempo beat. ”My Heart Can’t Be Broken Anymore” follows that, a slow blues with fine, big guitar and some nice organ support. The final track is“Ain’t No Grave, a resurrection story mixing Gospel and funky blues. Organ support is once again solid and the sax solo is nice as Ron sings with emotion.

Some of the backing musicians and female vocalist are uncredited, but they do a fine job in addition to the band. Addison’s sophomore effort is an excellent continuation of his work and we hope to hear more from this guy and his band!

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