Pat Boyack and the Prowlers
Super Blue and Funky
(Bullseye BB 9587)
This is the third release by Dallas based
guitarist Pat Boyack with a band named the Prowlers. This is a different band than the one
presented on the previous two records. It's a more musically diverse effort and stretches
out is a few new directions by using different musicians and additional instruments. And,
like the previous two discs, this one's a winner. Spencer Thomas takes over the vocalist
spot for the most part, with W.C. Clark handling a couple of numbers as a guest. However,
Boyack and Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff are in charge here. There are ten tracks of the
fourteen written or co-written by Boyack. Many of the numbers leave me with the feeling
that they have been composed, rather than "made up", yet they are presented with
a "raw" or "live" feel on the recording that I like. Boyack's
confident guitar work holds it all together. I love the way he approaches rhythm guitar as
well as lead. In "I'll Be The Joker", Boyacks' guitar percolates smoothly and
irresistibly in rhythm mode before stepping out on the break. "Longwallin'" is
an instrumental that gathers strength as is goes. "Why Must I Suffer" features
Clark and is a fine soulful Blues. "Mexican Vodka" is a fun little instrumental
that sounds like something the Champs (of Tequila! fame) might have done. It's a great
number to cook by. It's easy to find yourself twisting from the fridge to the stove and
back. "Can't You See" is another original that sounds like it's been vibrating
around inside some antique amplifier and was liberated by Boyack, as is "Think
(Before You Do). I love 'em both. "The Way You Do" isn't original but has the
same effect on me. It's also programmed regularly. The last track, "Look At Me, Look
At You" comes the closest to catching the sound of the original Prowlers. Thumbs up
on this one, people.
- J. Oblander -
Southwest Blues CD Review - February 1999
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