Search - Al Basile :: The Tinge

Al Basile's sixth solo CD The Tinge shows off all his skills, adding a generous helping of his rich cornet sound to the mix of exceptional songwriting and soulful singing which marked his last two releases, Blue Ink and Groovin' in the Mood Room. It also reunites him with band-mates from the original Roomful of Blues, and with producer Duke Robillard taking his usual guitar chair this recording touches on Kansas City swing as well as Soul Jazz on its journey through the blues territories Basile's explored throughout his thirty-five year career. A lifetime of musical influences from Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton to Stanley Turrentine and Memphis Soul - The Tinge puts it all together. Hal Horowitz of Blues Revus says: 'Basile's supple, natural voice is perfect for mid-tempo vamps, and his rich cornet playing kick starts the restrained jump blues at the core of these tunes...The band's loose vivacity is contagious, but it's Robillard and Basile's sympathetic partnership that forms the heart of this disc's sound. These veterans clearly enjoy their meetings in the studio, and The Tinge confirms that they're improving with age.' Chris Spector of Midwest Record (Chicago) says: 'A solid set that lets the blues have their day, Basile writes and plays like he's at the top of his game giving any real, contemporary blues fan a sweaty roadhouse experience and more. Hot stuff.' Charles Lipton of the Charleston Gazette says: 'One of those rare contemporary blues releases that takes smooth, jazz-flavored blues in the spirit of Cleanhead Vinson and Joe Williams and finds its own comfortable niche. The grooves simmer and cook expertly and the playing is nothing less than top notch.'