This week’s Blues Album is yet another treasure I discovered. I give you Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Blues Guitar Virtuoso Live in Europe. 12 songs, released in 1995. Now when I say “I discovered”, let’s backtrack just a hair. I was listening to Jeff Mcerlain and Matt Schofield on Jeff’s Youtube channel last week, one of the many things they were talking about was their unsung guitar heroes. Matt mentioned Ronnie Earl, so like any good student off I went on a treasure hunt. Bonsai! Scored again! Hang on to your butts, this is a wild ride, thanks to Mr Earl’s considerable chops complimented by a glorious B3 organ. Ronnie grabs you by the neck and takes you along for a thrill ride thru the first 4 songs before finally letting you breathe with the 5th song, “Contrition”. Some highlights besides the whole album, how bout San-Ho-Zay, the jazz infused “Thank You Mr T-Bone” and “Szeren”(listen for a lovely nod to Wes Montgomery), “Blues for the West Side”. This is another one of those albums / artists that I wonder how on earth did I not hear of, or not pay attention to, for so long. Needless to say, Mr Earl with be on the playlist for a long time coming. Please enjoy!
