I can remember in 1967 via the Ed Sullivan Show, seeing Buffalo Springfield sing: "For What It's Worth" like it was yesterday. That song along with Fogarty's "Fortunate Son," marked a time when music and lyrics protested war and everything that stood for it. Singer/ Songwriter Stephen Stills has been at it along time, he cut his teeth with Buffalo Springfield, followed that gig with another group called; Crosby, Stills and Nash. Neil Young followed and the rest is history. Stills is the first person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice in one night -Buffalo Springfield / Crosby Stills Nash and Young.
Which brings us to the present where the veteran has helped form another interesting approach to Blues/Rock with The Rides. The Rides are; five time Grammy nominated singer, guitarist, songwriter: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, famed Chicago Rock/Blues keyboard player: Barry Goldberg and the aforementioned Stephen Stills. I am always skeptical about so called super groups, much like great athletes where their larger than life egos and emotions create friction and disaster in sports teams. However, I am here to tell you that this musical chemistry works and works well. The Rides; Can't Get Enough is a solid album. Great songwriting, extraordinary playing and a stellar recording/mix. It's the perfect blending of generations. What a variety pack of songs you get here; Muddy Waters "Honey Bee", Elmore James: "Talk To Me Baby." and Neil Young's anthem: "Rockin' In The Free World." Originals include the bluesy: "Can't Get Enough Of Loving You", "Roadhouse" and "Only Teardrops Fall"- All Three feature Still's haunting vocals and Kenny Wayne's clean and powerful riffs. Don't forget that holding down the back beat is drummer extraordinaire Chris "Whipper" Layton , formerly with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, but now with Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Everything comes together here, the musicians, the songs, vocals, I can't deny the Rides Can't Get Enough may be the best blues/rock album of the year!
Which brings us to the present where the veteran has helped form another interesting approach to Blues/Rock with The Rides. The Rides are; five time Grammy nominated singer, guitarist, songwriter: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, famed Chicago Rock/Blues keyboard player: Barry Goldberg and the aforementioned Stephen Stills. I am always skeptical about so called super groups, much like great athletes where their larger than life egos and emotions create friction and disaster in sports teams. However, I am here to tell you that this musical chemistry works and works well. The Rides; Can't Get Enough is a solid album. Great songwriting, extraordinary playing and a stellar recording/mix. It's the perfect blending of generations. What a variety pack of songs you get here; Muddy Waters "Honey Bee", Elmore James: "Talk To Me Baby." and Neil Young's anthem: "Rockin' In The Free World." Originals include the bluesy: "Can't Get Enough Of Loving You", "Roadhouse" and "Only Teardrops Fall"- All Three feature Still's haunting vocals and Kenny Wayne's clean and powerful riffs. Don't forget that holding down the back beat is drummer extraordinaire Chris "Whipper" Layton , formerly with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, but now with Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Everything comes together here, the musicians, the songs, vocals, I can't deny the Rides Can't Get Enough may be the best blues/rock album of the year!
