REV. NEIL DOWN
When A Wrong Turns Right (Burn Barrel Records)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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35 years in the music business and still not a household name. The main reason is limited output, as he's spent most of that time working with others, but his few albums have been splendid slabs of confessional blues and down home rock and roll played from the heart. His old collaborators have stuck with him, and they make him a seasoned band for When a Wrong Turns Right. Henry McCullough played guitar with Paul McCartney in the earliest incarnation of Wings, and he's only improved over the years. Percy Robinson has played pedal steel guitar with everybody, it seems, including Terence Trent D'Arby, Townes Van Zandt and Luka Bloom. Bring in like minded players and give the Rev. the floor and good things happen. This is an exceptionally warm and moving album, and Down voices his slices of Americana with equal portions of world weariness and a joy that sometimes evokes the passion of good Gospel music. Without a major corporate push his will never be a household name, but I say Reverend Neil Down is a top notch talent with some beautiful music to contribute to the world, so pick it up and spread the word.

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© 2004 - DJ Johnson