RANDALL BRAMLETT
The Bright Spots (2013)


Everybody knows Randall Bramblett. From Georgia (Allman Brothers, Atlanta Rhythm Section or Doc Holliday state) he played on the Chuck Leavell project, the Allman Brothers band pianist. He can play many different instruments (keyboards, saxophone, guitar, harmonica) and is present on many albums (Gregg Allman, ARS, Elvin Bishop, Bonnie Bramlett, Cowboy, Gov't Mule, Hydra, etc...).

Great composer, excellent musician and singer full of feeling, he presents today an intimate album. No crazy solo or heavy drums here, but nice precise songs, beautiful moments and great melodies. This album hesitates between different styles, depending of Randall influences (Blues, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Folk...) just like others southern musicians in the seventies.

Some song are quite Southern Funky Soul just like Wet Willie on "Roll On", "You Bring me down" or "Till the Party 's all gone" a little bit like Gregg Allman in solo.

Some other songs are close to Swamp Rock like Tony Joe White on "Every Saint", a good guitar finger picking moment and a sweet organ sound.

"Whatever that is" is a little bit jazzy with Randall's voice deep just as it needs.

"All is Well" and "Trying to steal a Minute" are jazz rock songs, a little bit like Sea Leavell.

"John the Baptist" looks like Jerry Reed's "Amos Moses" in a Southern Funk style, and "Rumbling Bridge" is a pop song.

And then, great surprise with two wonderful titles. First "My Darling One" a very moving ballad with a great piano and a sweet organ sound, and lyrics just like southern men can write. Then the wonderful "Detox Bracelet" that talks us about a love story of a drug addict.

At the end, we get here a beautiful album with many different roots influences of the seventies. It's a great cd very honest and pure. It's a kind of diamond in the music world. Southern music is great!

Olivier Aubry





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