DON COVAY
Adlib (Cannonball)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

---

"Mercy Mercy," "Chain of Fools," "Three Time Loser," "Long Tall Shorty" ... That’s Don Covay for you trivia buffs. Not only a gifted songwriter, Covay happens to be a primo soul performer and here’s the proof. Adlib gathers many of his nuggets as all-star guests stop by to pay homage. The intrusion of deadbeats Huey Lewis and Paul Shaffer can almost be forgiven when Wilson Pickett and Otis Clay are included. Still the best moments are when Covay is left on his own, singing his heart out on standout racy tracks like "One Stop Woman" (non stop man) and (I want some) "Poontang." The Hall of Fame Hard Rock Cafe cheese effect shines way too brightly with testimonials by Van Morrison, Mick Jagger and Bonnie Raitt, and a trashy cover portrait by Ronnie Wood. Recommended if you can stomach the tribute overkill.

© 2000 - John Sekerka