On February 14, 2004 I caught Bonnie Bramlett at BB Kings's with her band Mr. Groove, they were touring in support of her then new album "I'm Still The Same". The long awaited follow up album went on sale today "Bonnie Bramlett and Mr Groove Band: Roots, Blues & Jazz". Bonnie always considered a formidable roots rock singer has blossomed into one of the strongest blues voices around and her interpretations of Jazz standards have elevated her even further. She is a now a triple threat and needs to be seen live as she was getting standing ovations at the end of every song during that performance. Few singers can bring one to tears as easily as Bonnie for she has really triumphed in a career that has seen its ups and downs.

As one half of Delanie and Bonnie, Eric Clapton joined her and they recorded "Delaney & Bonnie & Friends". Here she is reunited with two other former Ikettes (yes she was One of Ike and Tina's girls) who provide background vocals to Bonnie's lead, Robbie Montgomery and Jesse Lucas. Once again her band Mr. Groove is lead by brothers Tim Smith, bass; and Roddy Smith, guitar; also Steve Willets, piano; Mark Stallings, Hammond organ; Tim Gordon, saxes and flute; and Donnie Marshall, drums and percussion.

The album opens with a groovier version of the Steven Stills tune "Love The One You're With" and immediately the stage is set for something old and something new. The new version is just the start to this exciting album. Other reworked classic rock tunes include Chuck Berry's "No Particular Place to Go", Sam Cooke's "A Change is Going to Come", "Mercy, Mercy" and "Love Hurts".

Bonnie and Mr Groove explore Jazz standards "I'm Confessin", "That Lucky Old Sun", "Work Song", and "Harlem Nocturne". Bonnie contributes three of her own songs and shows us that her songwriting skills ("Let It Rain"; "Superstar"), haven't diminished. "I Can Laugh About It Now" hits the nail on the head as also does "Gotcha" and Carefree".

This is the comeback album that we have been waiting for and it will finally put Bonnie Bramlett back on top where she belongs.

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