Robert Ealey
If You Need Me
(Topcat Records 01942)
This 1994 Topcat release is a wonderful way
to introduce yourself to one of Ft. Worth's best kept secrets; the Juke Joint
"Reverend" Robert Ealey. Even if you are no stranger to Mr. Ealey's infamous
history or career, this CD still should have "MUST OWN" stamped on the side.
Reverend Ealey surrounds himself with some of the finest talent to be found in Cow Town
(or anywhere else for that matter); a bluestronomical potpourri of musicians. You have
outstanding guitar licks from the likes of Mike Morgan, Jim Suhler, Sumter Bruton, CoCo
Montoya and Ealey's songwriting partner, Tone Sommer. You have Hash Brown playing the
harmonica and sizzling saxophone action from Johnny Reno and Mark Rybiski. If you are
having a party and you don't have this disc, you got some problems, amigo! The best thing
about this release is the feeling; it's not what he is singing, it's HOW he sings it.
Don't even try to decipher the "pidgin" Tex Mex Spanish of the song
"Tica," just let the sound carry you away. Don't be ashamed if you find yourself
hitting that repeat button on the Ray Sharp inspired track, "One Love One Kiss,"
after all, you're only human. There are tracks here that are worth their weight in gold.
Go sample "She's a Rocket" or "Goin' to New York" and I think you will
find this CD hard to walk away from. Close your eyes and you can almost imagine the songs
being performed live in front of a rowdy, writhing crowd in the legendary New Blue Bird
Nite Club that was Ealey's bread and butter for many years. This is the real stuff; solid
juke joint Blues that commands your attention and makes you move your feet: A whammy of
the highest order from a Reverend whose Church is the Blues.
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - January 1999
Current Reviews - 1999 Reviews
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