Search - Jackie Payne, Steve Edmonson :: Partners in the Blues

Best "Soul Blues" CD in years!

Dave Weston | Jackson, CA | 06/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been listening to and playing Blues for the past 40 years, and this is the most inspiring recording that I have heard in years. I had almost lost hope that there were any bands like this still around. These guys are amazing! Jackie Payne is, in my view, the greatest living Blues & R&B singer. Steve Edmonson is an incredibly soulful guitarist whose style is his own, yet clearly informed by all of the blues greats that have gone before him. Don't even get me started on those horns. Carl Green on Tenor and John Middleton on Trumpet are the quintessential two-piece horn section. They are tight and in tune, and dripping with Soul! THESE GUYS ARE THE REAL DEAL!I recently saw them live while on vacation in the San Francisco Bay Area, and was completely blown away by their performance. Though I was dubious as to whether they could capture that magic in the studio, I purchased the new CD, Partners In The Blues, and all I can say is that this is the best CD I have bought in years! They have truly outdone themselves. This CD is a mixture of Blues & Soul, which can often be a recipe for a "watered-down" sound that isn't true to either genre. These guys have really done their homework. Whether they are performing Chicago Blues (ala Muddy Waters,) or a Deep Soul Ballad (ala O.V. Wright,) they play with a stylistic integrity that shows their complete devotion to each style. I have to agree with Joseph Jordan's assessment in the liner notes, where he says of this release:"One of the most vital releases in recent years, in an often mediocre, over-saturated genre, "Partners in the Blues" shows two band-leaders at the peak of their considerable form, completing their intense musical journey together, resulting in a work of brilliance and living fire. The songs they've chosen to record display the wonderful gamut of their awesome creativity and stinging genius."'Nuff said..."

Blue and smokin'

Arthur Comings | Northern California, USA | 05/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the other reviewers say, these guys are great in person and sound just as good on this CD. Jackie's a great singer, the horns are tight and right, and Steve Edmunson takes care of business on guitar.



Be sure to check 'em out if they come to your city -- or log on to the Biscuits and Blues web site and find out when they'll be in San Francisco. You'll be glad you made the trip."

They Rock the House

Jacqueline Hoyt | 07/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw them live at the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland Oregon and they rocked the house, I thought ladies were going to start throwing panties for a minute. Stinging guitar, the horn section is great and Jackie Payne is in fine voice, amazing range, sings with passion and nuance. It is a nice song selection also."