What goes around comes around and that saying is never truer than when used within the boundaries of the music business. What, you might ask, has such a statement to do with the new album from London’s Rufus Black?
I gave much thought to this as, let’s face it, there isn’t a ready supply of originality these days and “Rise Up” features a whole lot of cover versions that will be more than familiar to anyone with even a passing interest in blues rock (with a hint of funk) just like they did it back in the day. It is perhaps unsurprising therefore that the cover versions of favourites such as “I Just Want To Make Love To You” and “Take Me To The River” are respectful and pretty much what an audience reliving their past would expect and accept. The difference – and it is this difference that lifts Rufus Black out of the mire of mediocrity – is just how well this band captures the easy going feel of an era long gone with the apparently casual interplay between the musicians making it all seem so easy.
Credit is also due to Gavin Condor whose charismatic voice successfully evokes the spirits of the rock gods whilst still stamping his own personality on each of the songs.
Whilst this album will likely find favour with those who are past the prime of their life, “Rise Up” still contains more than enough goodness to make a suitable musical snack for those who still have their own hair.
Available from Bandcamp.