CURTIS SALGADO
Soul Activated (Shanachie)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Curtis Salgado has a very impressive resume. Along with stints singing and playing harp for Robert Cray and Roomful Of Blues he's released four previous solo albums. With his experience and strong, soulful chops, you'd think he'd be a household name. Too many, though, who know him outside his base in the Pacific Northwest, know him more as the inspiration for John Belushi's Joliet Jake Blues than as one of the toughest, tightest soul singers on the contemporary scene.

Of course, a couple of Salgado's problems are exposed in that paragraph. The Pacific Northwest has attracted momentary attention over the years for it's garage and grunge scenes, it's never been considered a hotbed for R&B talent, despite having been the proving grounds for artists from Ray Charles to the aforementioned Mr. Cray. In addition, Salgado is a torch bearer for a brand of bluesy R&B that's out of popular favor except among fans of blues or vintage Memphis soul. As a result, he's carved out a musical path for himself that offers a limited range of fame and fortune.

I'm glad he's made that choice (and his talent is expansive enough that he could have made several others), because I am a fan of blues and vintage Memphis soul, and Curtis Salgado is as good as it gets. This new Shanachie release, featuring guest appearances by Jimmie Vaughn and the Memphis Horns, is a roadhouse ready soul spectacular, sure to satisfy both the crowd on the dance floor and the lonesome souls on the barstools. If you miss the glory days of R&B, Curtis Salgado's latest will get your Soul (re)Activated.

Track List:

Old Enough To Know Better * I'd Rather Be Blind * Portable Man * Summertime Love * The Harder They Come * I Sleep With The TV On * Lip Whippin * Funny Man * Every time You Go Away * Hip Hip Baby * More Love, Less Attitude

© 2001 - Shaun Dale