CD Review: Jeff Golub Band with Henry Butler – “The Three Kings”

Smoky Mtn. Blues Society – blue barry

June 2011

The Jeff Golub Band with Henry Butler will be coming out soon with their new CD “The Three Kings.” I have had the pleasure to hear this CD early and it is great. The Three Kings of course are B.B., Freddie, and Albert King. Just about every blues band in this country will play a song that one of those giants played somewhere during their set on a nightly basis. Over the weekend I heard 3 bands cover tunes by these greats. Jeff Golub played with Rod Stewart for 7 years, and Billy Squier before that. Although he may not be a household name to you, you sure have heard his music.

Making a big time guest appearance with Jeff is piano standout Henry Butler. Henry also lays down some soulful vocals, and contributes heavily to the success of the CD. Robben Ford sits in with his fabulous guitar work on “Side Tracked.” Sonny Landreth adds some magnificent slide, like he usually does to any song, to “In Plain Sight.” Add in Andy Hess on bass from Govt. Mule, Josh Dion on drums and vocals, and a horn section of fabulous players you have the setting for some fine blues. And do they deliver? Absolutely!

Jeff’s guitar work is right on the money, Henry’s piano and vocals, added in with the other guests and master players makes for an excellent job. Songs on the CD include, “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Born Under A Bad Sign,” “In Plain Sight,” “Help The Poor,” “Side Tracked,” “Oh Pretty Woman,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” “Have You Ever Loved A Woman,” “I’m Tore Down,” “Freddie’s Midnite Dream,” “Stumblin’ Home,” “Three Kings.” And of course, “The Thrill Is Gone.”

Sometimes we just take for granted these great guitar players like Jeff Golub. Hearing Rod Stewart for years we get used to the great stuff. Here is a collection of some very well done songs by some very well known gentlemen who helped make the blues what it is today. Look for it in the stores, or go to www.eonemusic.com. There’s a lot of classic stuff in one place here. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. One love, blue barry