Let's Talk About Love [PA] (CD - 2007)

Personnel: Lurrie Bell (vocals, guitar); Laurie Lee, Anthony Palmer (guitar); Sidney James Wingfield (piano, organ); Felton Crews (bass guitar); Kenny Smith & The Loveliters, Kenny Smith (drums, percussion); Jimmy Johnson (background vocals); Matthew Skoller, Billy Branch (harmonica); Johnny ''Fingers'' Iguana (piano); Cynthia Butts, James F. Teague, Marro O-Di'Jon Murray, Jimmy Johnson.

Audio Mixer: Blaise Barton.

Liner Note Author: Matthew Skoller.

Recording information: Joyride Studios, Chicago, IL.

Photographer: Peter Amft.

Lurrie Bell kicks off Let's Talk About Love with a song about love, a move that might seem a bit odd or risky for anyone steeped in blues tradition. It's a tradition, after all, that has often seemed like a depository of relationship problems and sexual come-ons. Bell delivers the upbeat "Let's Talk About Love" against the backdrop of a full electric band featuring his own stinging guitar work. Bell is joined by a "loose but together" band, featuring rhythm guitarist Anthony Palmer, bassist Felton Crews, drummer Kenny Smith, pianist Sidney James Wingfield, and a number of guests. The players are comfortable with one another, and each is in his own element whether tackling a slow burner like "Chicago Is Loaded with the Blues" or a swinging number like "You Ought to Be Ashamed." Of course the promise of the opener, "Let's Talk About Love," is too good to last, attested to by titles like "You Ought to Be Ashamed" and "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)." These songs are a cliché for sure and certain to never make it onto a Gloria Steinem mixtape, but as far as blues go, they sound superb. Bell makes sure to alter his tempos and arrangements to keep the listener listening, and there is also an interesting acoustic arrangement for "Feeling Good." For blues fans and anyone who enjoys good roots music, Bell and his comrades have made a solid album. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr. minimize