George Stancell
Gorgeous George
(JSPCD2133)
The liner notes refer to Stancell as a "sixty year
old overnight success," commenting on the fact that George didn't get
the opportunity to record his music for forty five years. Well Stancell's
debut may be a little late by half a century, but it is certainly
entertaining. George is a good guitarist and a sincere vocalist in the
same arena of sound as Bobby Blue or Johnnie Taylor. Johnny Rawls and
Bruce Feiner write most of the tracks. Feiner plays tenor saxophone and
Rawls plays rhythm guitar. The duo makes for a solid song writing team.
What they lack in composition, they make up for in soul. And there is soul
aplenty on this album. Stancell with the help of the Nutmeg Horns throws
out some old fashion grooves. Listen to the low down dirty funk on the
tune "Gonna Keep On" or the heartfelt crooning on "Stop
Your Crying." George's roots are steeped in the soul-drenched
compositions of his early days. A big nod in the direction of the Hammond
B3 player Kenny Harris who puts the magic behind most of the tracks. His
stinging ivory play takes songs like "I Wanna" up to the next
notch. Stancell isn't afraid to let the notes stand on their own; he
doesn't cram or crowd the frets. His solos on tunes like "Leave A
Light On Baby" are artful and crafty. He tackles the riffs with a
syncopated wisdom. Gorgeous George kicks in one of his own compositions
"Mississippi Woman." It's a great piece. A shame that Stancell
didn't write a few more of the tunes. Another noteworthy song, "Standin'
In The Rain" has great moments, including inspired vocals and sax
work. It is all about the attitude and Stancell hits the mark more times
than he misses. Let's hope that Gorgeous George doesn't wait another
forty-five years for the next release.
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - January 2000
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