Jimmy Morello
The Road I Travel
(JSP Records CD2115)
Pittsburgh native and former vocalist for
the Prowlers, Jimmy Morello returns with a new CD after the successfully acclaimed 1997
album, Can't Be Denied. The new release The Road I Travel is uptempo by blues standard,
but still firmly rooted in that strange and mysterious realm of sound. The key word here
is "fun." Morello conveys a sense of real enjoyment in his work. Lots of
shuffles; lots of swinging, full blown sax appeal. All the tracks were recorded on the
first take and that comes through when you listen to it; that sense of spontaneity and
energy. "Retro Jump" is an excellent example of the forward motion of the whole
CD. It's a clean, tight cut that spotlights some of the stellar musicians Morello has on
hand for the shindig. Great piano is provided by Tom Mahon, who did some impressive ivory
tickling with James Harman on his new album. Check out his solo on "I Need Some
Money." Another performer from the Harman CD, L.A.'s Paul Fasulo on the drums has
worked with Junior Watson and William Clarke. Bassist Rick Reed plays some terrific
electric and acoustic bass. The acoustic bass is a real ear pleaser here. Guitar men Alex
Schultz, at one time with Rod Piazza, and John Marx, from Blues Patrol, pull off some
great fret work and the aforementioned saxophone work from Tenor, Johnny Viau and
Baritone, Troy Jennings, adds some true dazzle to the work. Harp honker Mitch Kashmar gets
a wonderful solo in "The Way I Used To Be." Morello has a unique ability to
shape his vocals to fit the mood of the piece; he can sound like Louis Prima or Big Joe
Turner or Roy Brown. It's pretty obvious there's a love of the vocalists he interprets.
Morello isn't imitating these guys, he's just got a great vocal variety and makes use of
it. As a producer, Jimmy has a knack for putting sound together and making a very
entertaining package. The Road I Travel is a party kind of CD; whether you are having a
party or not!
- Bill
Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - February 1999
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