CARL WEATHERSBY: Hold On

Carl Weathersby

Hold On

© 2004 Carl Weathersby (644167043625)

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"I'm back, y'all!" These are the words that Carl Weathersby, a smile in his voice, speaks at the end of the first cut on Hold On, his first release since health problems that would have sidelined weaker men. On that same track, after letting his tasty guitar playing introduce him, Weathersby sings, "I been down for a while/But I'm on my way back again." With his best album in years, Carl Weathersby is indeed back!

Since his great 1996 debut, Don't Lay Your Blues On Me, none of his releases has come close to catching what fans in Blues clubs and at Blues festivals around the world know: that Carl Weathersby is one of the best Blues performers out there. On this disc, Weathersby's three strengths - his big, sweet guitar sound, his soulful voice, and his great songwriting - meld together to create the best example of this Bluesman's work outside of his live performances.

To say that Weathersby's guitar playing is influenced by his one-time boss, Albert King, is obvious, but as much as those lessons show, Carl Weathersby has found his own style that satisfies and feels fresh. He can ladle out soulful Blues note by note or lay down a ripping run that will get a crowd on its feet.

His voice is in top form and can be as gritty as a Mississippi back road in one song and as steamy as a hot Chicago night in the next. His upbeat romps are fun, but fans know it's his delivery on slow, burning Blues that you remember when you leave the club. There are fine examples of each here.

But what you'll probably notice on first listening is that Carl Weathersby writes fine songs, from funky statements on life to clearly personal love songs. Weathersby is a veteran - a veteran of war, a veteran of the everyman's working day, a veteran of life's ups and downs, a veteran of the Blues. He brings together all these experiences in his songs, whether laying them over a danceable beat, a smoking jump number, or a shuffling ballad. He sings about things you can relate to, and makes you feel as though he knows you.

As Weathersby sings, "They counted me out, said I could not play the Blues/Just one thing that they forgot - that it's all inside the groove." With the help of Johnny Neel on keyboards and labelmate Tim Gonzales throwing tasteful harp into the mix, Weathersby finds the groove. Hold On will satisfy longtime fans who have been looking for more from Weathersby, and should help new listeners discover this great Bluesman, too. One thing is certain: Carl Weathersby is back, y'all!

reviews

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  • Another excellent CD from Mr. Soul himself...BUY IT
    author: Gary Georgin

    Hold On is Carl's best CD in years, not a bad song on the entire CD...More people should know about this artist, but they are too busy watching American Idol...

  • awesome
    author: tricia

    heard this cd in concert at wilmington river blues fest this was a great show. this cd hits home in so many ways!! keep liven and playin!!!

  • Carl's the Real Deal !
    author: Carla

    My first introduction to Carl's music was worth it! An absolutely great blues mix.

  • More People Need to Know About Carl Weathersby!
    author: Todd G

    We all know about the three Kings - Albert, BB & Freddie; well, if Carl last name was King he would be the Fourth! I even like him better than Albert & that's saying a lot. Awesome guitar player! I have all of Carl's CDs & I highly recommend them all. It's nice to have him back with this latest release. Get it - you won't be sorry!

  • "Hold On" is Whole Package
    author: Greg Freerksen host Blues Edition WDCB Public Radio

    All the pieces fit together for this session moving Carl Weathersby to a new height. When placed along side Carl's many fine recordings, this is perhaps Carl's best disc. Both his vocals and guitar are comfortable and dynamic. Inventive nuances keep his songs out of the mundane muddle which often passes as Chicago electric blues.

  • Stunning combo of heavy guitar blues and deeply soulful vocals
    author: Niles Frantz

    This CD is stunning combination of heavy-duty, Albert King influenced guitar blues and deeply soulful vocals, at times reminiscent of Bobby Womack. High quality original tunes and first rate playing lift this high above the mass of new blues releases. Experience and deep commitment win out over flash every time. Get it NOW.

  • Stunning combo of heavy guitar blues and deeply soulful vocals
    author: Niles Frantz

    This CD is stunning combination of heavy-duty, Albert King influenced guitar blues and deeply soulful vocals, at times reminiscent of Bobby Womack. High quality original tunes and first rate playing lift this high above the mass of new blues releases. Experience and deep commitment win out over flash every time. Get it NOW.

  • Back Again? Wish Ya Never Left!
    author: Bluescritic

    It had been four years since Carl's last disc (the great soulful blues cd COME TO PAPA on Evidence Records) and I was starting to wonder what was up with him. Well apparantly he had some health issues and now he says "I'm Back Again" on the opening cut on the new HOLD ON disc. It's vintage phat sounding Albert King-like shuffle blues that starts off things right. Every song on this CD is special. He makes the John Hiatt composition "Feels Like Rain" his own- and that's high praise considering Buddy Guy also did a fine version of this tune. Other highlights are the uplifting soul numbers "Hold On" & "Willingly" and the slow blues "Love Ain'r Fair." Love it!

  • Carl is the real deal
    author: Mike Bechinske

    I have all of Carl's stuff and this is his best since Looking Out My Window. One of the Blues best guitarists, you'll know why after listening to this effort.

  • you really are back and i ts great hear you again.
    author: nate butler

    this cd should give you the come back cd of the yaer at the handy's in 2005.keep the blues alive my brother.

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