Corey Stevens is a veteran singer, songwriter and guitarist. This is Corey's sixth album and first on Ruf Records. A concept album, this is a musical tribute to Albert King. All of the songs except one were either written or recorded by Albert King.

Albert King (1923-1992) was a seminal blues guitarist who helped develop the single note style also made popular by BB King. Albert King was also a passionate vocalist with an amazing sense of timing and drama. His music today is rarely equaled.

Opening with "A Real Good Sign" one is struck with Corey's vocal. His voice is not as deep as Albert but there is some similarity. Corey's guitar solo is in the single note style popularized by Albert. On "That's What The Blues Is All About", Corey comes even closer to sounding like Albert. Corey doesn't duplicate the performances of Albert King but reminds us of how Albert's legacy can inspire young blues players just like it has done for him. If there is a "Blues" trail, Corey Stevens is on it and paving the way. "Another Pretty Face" is the one song never recorded by Albert King, as it was written by Corey, "she had a sexy little look that said, catch me if you can".

Other songs include "Breaking Up Somebody's Home" and "Cold Women With Warm Hearts". Corey's solos on the former and again on "I Get Evil" prove he is an inventive guitarist, as he drifts further away from Albert's style. Paul Testa's Hammond organ and the horn section of Max Felshem, saxophone and Aaron Wiener, trumpet help make "Little Brother (Make A Way)" one of the albums highlights. The gentle "ska" like beat provides for a welcome change from the rest. Steve Farrone, drums and Kori Lynn Stevens, bass provide a great rhythm section.

The album concludes with the low down "Got To Be Some Changes Made", and "Nice To Be Nice (Ain't That Nice)". This generation of guitar slingers should pay tribute to those that have come before. Corey Stevens has recorded a fun album while preserving the memory of Albert King.

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