Kenny "Blue" Ray
Let the Blues Rule
(Tone King CD 1063)
If you like your guitar players to cover all
the bases, then Kenny "Blue" Ray is your guy. Let the Blues Rule is his ninth
release for Tone King Records, and through thirteen tracks he does just that. Though
essentially an instrumental disc (8 of 13 songs), Kenny "Blue" Ray uses
different guitar tones and blues styles as a backdrop for his own nimble guitar playing
and use of style.
Opening with Jr. Parker's "Wondering", Ray wastes no time. Diving into
accents with a full tone, he obviously is having fun with this shuffle. Putting the fills
right where they're needed, and then a blistering lead, "Wondering" is a sign of
good things to come. "Snake Eyed Boogie" and "Tupelo Hop" are both
brisk 'houserockers' that will get anybody up and movin'. Changing up a little,
"Lucy's Kiss" and "Tribute to Jr." both have a rumba feel that fits
nicely with Kenny "Blue" Ray's longing stretched notes. The title song "Let
the Blues Rule", a slow grinding instrumental, gives Ray a chance to stretch out and
give the slow blues a real work out, which he does in fine fashion. On "Blues For
Jimi", Ray pays tribute to Jimi Hendrix (and a little SRV) but still sounds like
Kenny "Blue" Ray. This is a hard thing to do and is also a tribute to his own
playing and knowledge of style.
Kenny "Blue" Ray used many different musicians in the making of this CD. This
adds to the different flavors to be found here. Notably, Charlie Chavez does a fine job on
vocals and harmonica on Jimmie Roger's "You're the One" and Sonny Boy
Williamson's "Walk When I Walk". As does Gary Smith on vocals (two songs) and
harmonica (four songs). Richard Milam does his best Howlin' Wolf on Willie Dixon's
"Back Door Man" to excellent effect. This recording of "Back Door Man"
is old style blues done right!
Kenny "Blue" Ray is a very prolific artist. He has been putting out 2-3 CD's
a year since 1994. He has appeared on no less than thirty-three CD's and albums during his
music career. Little Charlie and the Nightcats, William Clarke, Marcia Ball, and Rod
Piazza are a few artists he has toured with. He has also done sessions with countless
other excellent musicians; Ronnie Earl, Charlie Musselwhite, and Tommy Castro to name a
few.
Kenny "Blue" Ray's music sounds fresh and vital and should be well received
by all listeners. Let the Blues Rule is another fine example from a guitar player who is
obviously driven to do what he has to do.... Let the Blues Rule.
- Pete Barbeck -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 1999
Current Reviews -
1999 Reviews - available at our store
