BONNIE RAITT – Slipstream

Interesting collection of covers from my favourite country blues artist, and I am not a big fan of the genre, but Bonnie gets close enough to the blues/rock to make me a fan. 4 tracks from her sessions with Joe Henry the rest produced by the lady herself. First a note on the packaging of the CD, very attractive. The 3 fold CD is both arty and would make the CD purchase a big plus over the download, particularly if you are fan of Raitt, nice pics throughout. Also inclosed is a lyric booklet. I do think that if you are not going to write your own music and do covers then you need to bring something special to the mix. Bonnie Raitt just about carries this off. She has a voice and musicality that is warm, unique, charming, but also so very blue. So while there are tracks this album to skip over, I will dwell on the good stuff.

“Used to Rule the World” kicks off with real funky vibe. Original by Randall Bramblett this is a really great version loved the Hammond work by Mike Finnigan.
Next up Gerry Raferty’s “Right Down the Line” . Decent version, will be enjoyed by hardcore BR fans but for me a little dull.

“Million Miles” by Bob Dillan next up produced by Joe Henry. It’s got that earthy percussion led production values that I associated with Henry. There’s such a distinct Henry/Raitt vibe here that this is a joy.

“You Can’t Fail Me Now” Henry production on a Henry song. This is wonderful, heartfelt, all about the amazing song/lyrics and Raitt’s unique delivery. Love it.

“Down to You” Randall Bramblett again. But this is a must must buy for Raitt fans or any fan of soulfully delivered country blues. This is why this album is worth a punt beautiful.

“Take My Love With You” is a wonderful pop country song, easy listening maybe but I like it, it make me happy.

“Ain’t Gonna Let You Go” we get back to sad songs with soul and great delivery.

“Standing in the Doorway” Bob Dylan and the haunting “God Only Knows” by Joe Henry finish the album off. Both sensitive and with the kind of production that makes you think the album has been made just for you in your own living room (but in a good way).

So a bit of a mixed bag but enough really good music to keep many songs on my play lists for sometime. Also great intro to Joe Henry’s music, looking forward to the rest of the session being released maybe later this year.

****

Stephen Jenkins

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