Cornell Dupree

It should have come as no surprise that ace session guitarist Cornell Dupree could come up with as thoroughly tasty a solo album as this, but it is a surprise nonetheless since we're so accustomed to hearing his distinctive touch backing someone else. Here the menu is bedrock R&B/jazz with roots in the 1960s, and Dupree's highly expressive signature blues style is everywhere, although he does adopt a more generic rock style on one occasion. At the same time, ever the team player, Dupree also frequently puts on his formidable rhythm boots and drives his quintet forward. Richard Tee rides barrelhouse R&B piano on an instrument that sounds as if the strings were steel rods, along with his familiar chorused electric piano sound. Lou Marini adds trademark soul licks on saxophones, while Frank Canino (bass) and Christopher Parker (drums) complement the leader's subtle use of space. Most of the tunes are Dupree's, save for a couple of contributions by Tee and a nice cover of the Jacksons' "Destiny," and it all goes down with plenty of back-home Southern dignity and grit. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide