In many ways, it's surprising that it's taken this long. Florida keyboard guru Roy Powers - mainstay of the Atlanta blues scene - has released an album of his own. It's not going to come as a surprise to anyone that this is a straightforward honky-tonk blues affair that, while not being spectacular in any way, is a fine all-round dose of musical fun.
Roy's keyboard takes precedence from the get-go on "St. Lucie Blues", a song which carries a delightful swagger. Years of experience echo from Powers' keyboard, and his backing band don't stutter. From here on in, it's more or less the same.
The album's title track takes a similar approach, carrying a big chorus with potential sing-a-long appeal, while a little spoken-blues humour is exhibited on "Honk If You're Paying My Mortgage". As with many tracks on this album, Ronny Sessum's fine lead guitar work adds an extra layer of substance to the mix. It isn't until "If It's Going To Be Right" that the pace lessens into a gospel-tinged piano ballad. More so on this track than any other, the power and depth of Roy's voice is made known.
There is a brief country flirtation (courtesy of Diki Ross) as the album moves towards a close with "No More Credit" and "I Can Almost Hear You Calling" defecting towards a greener sound. The latter proves a fine song on which to end the CD.
"Firing Line" is an album, that in all fairness, probably should have been made several years ago. However, Powers' maturity lends a genuine feel to the album. Worthy of a place in your CD collection.