U.P. Wilson
Booting
(JSPCD2129)
When one sets out to review U P Wilson, there are a few words that are
difficult to avoid using, so let's get them out of the way up front:
Fiery, Edgy and Fierce. That being said, we can move on to the hardcore
delight of listening to Wilson reinvent new angles on ax solos. The kind
of guitar slinging that cause audiences both here and more erudite venues
to jump, shout and knock themselves out. Needless to point out, when
Wilson plays, people listen and with good reason: he's great.
This JSP
release proves the above paragraph and offers substantial further evidence
of the creative torment surrounding Wilson and crew. Evidentially, this
album was cut in and around the same recording sessions as Wilson's tour
de force Whirlwind and just like that CD, this one captures that same raw,
driving intensity that characterizes the Shreveport born / Ft. Worth based
performer.
His guitar work is intriguing and full of energy. His attacks
are often spontaneous bursts of dazzling, piercing licks. When Wilson
launches into these audio assaults, they take on a life of their own;
sometimes spiraling out of control, other times smoldering down to the
core. Check out how he attacks the riffs on "Made Up My Mind" or
the amazing compulsion he throws into "Crazy Things." Folks,
there is a good reason this man earned the nickname "The Texas Guitar
Tornado." When he goes to town on "Texas Squalling," it's
akin to watching fireworks explode. One the best things about Wilson is he
seems to be a bottomless pit on invention and form. If you need more
incentive to pluck down your hard earned currency for this CD, consider
the blazing harmonica work of Jordan "The DC Blues Hurricane"
Paterson or the savvy, classic bass of Big Joe Turner. You can't miss with
Booting.
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - September 1999
Current Reviews - 1999 Reviews
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