The Bobby Parker Band – New George’s San Rafael 1993
Rhythm And Blues Records
www.rhythmandbluesrecords.co.uk
16 songs – 151 minutes
Bobby Parker’s story is, sadly, all too common for a black musical artist in the twentieth century. Born in in Lafayette, Louisiana, but raised in Los Angeles, California, Parker was a fine singer, guitarist and songwriter who never achieved the fame or financial reward his talent deserved. Parker wrote Marv Johnson’s 1959 hit, “You Got What It Takes”, but he was believed he was cheated out of the songwriting credit by Berry Gordy. The main riff from his biggest hit, “Watch Your Step”, was “borrowed” by The Beatles as the basis for “I Feel Fine” and by Led Zeppelin for “Moby Dick”. Jimmy Page was a huge fan and tried to sign Parker to Led Zep’s Swan Song label, even providing an advance of $2,000 to record a demo tape but, having previously been burned in the music industry, Parker was reportedly hesitant or fearful of repeating past mistakes, which prevented him from finishing the project and the opportunity was lost.
He recorded two albums for the Black Top label in the 1990s, but mainstream success eluded him. This new album, New George’s San Rafael 1993, released by the UK’s Rhythm And Blues Records, was recorded when Parker was promoting the first of those Black Top albums, Bent Out Of Shape, and features six tracks from the release. Backed by Willie Hicks on bass, Warren Witherspoon on drums, Steven Charles Cecil on keyboards, Johnny Long on saxes and Roland Hall on trumpet, New George’s San Rafael 1993 is a wonderful snapshot of Parker in fine form in front of an appreciative audience.
Parker mixes his own songs with some classic covers, such “Born Under A Bad Sign” or “Nineteen Years Old”, and both his singing and guitar playing are firing on all cylinders. This is a live recording, of course, and a number of the tracks stretch over ten minutes as the musicians take extended solos. And what a joy it is to hear top class musicians playing off each other in a live setting.
Four numbers also feature San Rafael resident and guitar legend, Carlos Santana, who often jammed with artists playing at New George’s. All four tracks are essentially relaxed jams, with “Blues With Carlos” extending over 17 minutes and “Bobby A Go Go” lasting over 18 minutes. So, yes, there is more than a hint of over-indulgence to these songs, but the tightness of the band throughout is more than impressive, particularly Witherspoon’s nailed-on drum grooves.
The CD does not contain any information on how the concert was recorded, but the sound quality is extremely impressive throughout, so kudos to producers Cecil, Martin Newman and Nick Duckett.
Parker died from a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 76, sadly under-appreciated. In the absence of any new recordings, New George’s San Rafael is a hugely enjoyable, high-energy and soulful release. Turn it up loud, grab a drink, and be transported back 30 years to a gig you will wish you had been at.
