June 2008
Mess of Blues, his final recording, was his first blues disc in eight years, and Healey comes out swinging with a live recording of "Im Torn Down." Its a sign of a real feel for the blues when a band can take a song thats been pounded into the ground and bring it back to life. Healey has a terrific backing band here and he gives them space to show off. Dave Murphy, on keys, matches Healeys fire and verve in his playing, and the rhythm section, while unobtrusive, keeps up with the challenges Healey gives them. Bassist Alec Fraser provides a solid, thumping foundation on the cover of Neil Youngs "Like a Hurricane," which rocks every bit as hard as the original. The disc contains live and studio recordings, and the live tracks are strong on atmosphere. The studio recordings could have used a little more space, but Healey reaches out through them anyway. I wiped away a tear as I listened to the closing track, "Shake, Rattle, and Roll." Jeff Healeys best was yet to come. GO BACK TO: |