Al Garrett
Out Of Bad Luck
(Fedora 5010)
Before next summer's first barbecue, snag a copy of Al Garret's Out Of
Bad Luck. Bad Luck offers up a feast of juicy, slow-roasted blues,
patiently blending a traditional style into the perfect accompaniment for
summertime chillin'. Garrett procures a grillman's soundtrack. Garrett,
65, played bass for Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Pee Wee Crayton and
Lowell Fulson around the LA club scene beginning in the late 50s. Until
now, his role as a recording artist was limited to studio work on a couple
of C.C. Griffin releases. His time as a backup ended when Fedora released
this debut. Fedora stresses they are a "blues label specializing in
classic blues, the real thing. [Whose] aim is to record important artists
who are influenced by the great bluesmen and who have kept the art pure,
without the cross-pollination of rock or pop music," with Garrett,
Fedora has just that. As a front man Garrett, like any great chef, mixes
great tunes without over-seasoning. No wild, rambling licks or overcooked
solos, just straight blues. "Cummins Prison Farm" and "I
Just Got To Know" exemplify Fedora's creed. Garrett adds a dash of
Bobby Logan's tenor sax, providing a smooth glaze, especially on
"Last Night." Logan turns up the heat when necessary then
skillfully backs off at the appropriate times. Out of Bad Luck isn't
flashy, brash or overwhelming, and that, like a nice slab o' ribs, tastes
just fine.
- Tobias Xavier Lopez -
Southwest Blues CD Review - February 2000
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