As a Merle Haggard fan I am as equally excited by Albert Cummings' version of "Workin' Man Blues" that begins this album, as when Merle was first covered by The Grateful Dead. The song is four minutes of pure excitement and Albert's take on the Roy Nichol's guitar solo is interpretive blues at its best (Roy Nichol's was Merle Haggard's guitar player on the original).

Albert Cummings has written all of the other songs on this album. "Say You Love Me", "I Feel Good", "Girls To Shame", and "Let Me Be" are blues. The guitar solo on the latter is especially notable. Albert then switches directions and heads into a progressive country sound with "Feeling End", "First Day", and "Last Dance". "Party Right Here" could be released as a country single. He also has two distinct vocal styles, one for the blues songs and one for the country songs. On each song his guitar work is brilliant. The rhythm is provided by Dave Smith, bass; and Steve Potts, drums.

Other songs include "I'm Free", the Jack Bruce sounding "I'm On My Way", "Rumors", and "Please". Albert Cummings is not the first guitarist who has mixed blues and country music as it has been done by many others, but this is a very commercial effort and could receive airplay on multiple radio formats. Visit Albert Cumming's website at albertcummings.com

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com