Kenny Wayne

Wayne may be nicknamed the Blues Boss, but a more apt title would be the King of Boogie Woogie. The pianist/singer was born Spokane, grew up in San Francisco and honed his chops in the juke joints of Los Angeles where he played Latin, pop, rock and R&B. Since the 80s he's been based in Vancouver BC where his combination of Boogie Woogie, blues, old time R&B and New Orleans fonk have made him a major attraction. Wayne's a playful vocalist with a warm, witty style that echoes the work of Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Fats Domino, Aaron Neville and Johnny Otis. On this, his sixth album, he's in fine voice and backed by his usual cohorts Russell Jackson, bass; Johnny Ferreira, sax, Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl, harmonica, and Theo Brown, drums. The album's vibe can be summed up in the title of one of the set's bounciest tracks, "Let's have Some Fun". You can feel Wayne's smile as he sings the tune's hook and rocks the piano with a syncopated second line feel accented by a funky horn section. "You Can Pack Your Suitcase" an obscure Fats Domino track written by Dave Bartholomew is a driving shuffle highlighted by Wayne's light twinkling right hand fills and Ferreira's nasty sax. "Don't Cry" is a vivid slice of barrelhouse boogie, again with a bit of Crescent City syncopation that recalls Allan Toussaint's work with Lee Dorsey. "Tangueray" is a late night saloon song with Wayne delivering a smooth, seductive vocal to sing the praises of his favorite libation. The band joins in on backing vocals while guest player Rich McDonough adds a mellow guitar solo. "Boogie Woogie Mama" shows off Wayne's strong left hand, exuberant vocals and Hoerl's fine harmonica. Wayne's solo makes the keys on his 88 dance off the piano. "My Sweet Little Peach" gives us a slightly more up to date take on the blues. Wayne's clavinet playing brings to mind Stevie Wonder and his spoken introduction plays a winking homage to Barry White. Wayne's son Cory Spruell drops a lively rap midway through the track to give the kids something to groove to. There's not a weak track here and Wayne's engaging vocals and masterful playing will have you grinning long after the music's over. ~ j. poet, All Music Guide