ERIC SARDINAS
Black Pearls (Favored Nations)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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At first glance Eric Sardinas' trademark electrified Dobro might seen like a gimmick, but just a few bars of his new Favored Nations album will set aside any such notion. The man can burn, and he uses his chosen instrument to put an innovative twist on some of the most hallowed musical forms - Texas and Delta blues.

When he wants to, he can pick just like old times, but it's never long until he cranks it to ten and lets his slide pull forth the screams and squeals that have earned him the nickname "Delta Dynamite." It's a fully appropriate tag, because Eric Sardinas at full roar is simply explosive.

He's backed by a capable duo in Paul Loranger (bass) and Mike Dupke (drums) as he runs through a dozen originals that sound like they belong to him and to the ages simultaneously. Impressively, the album was recorded live and direct to analog, with no digital adjustments. The noteworthy Eddie Kramer was at the helm in the studio, and the sound quality shows that he's as talented in his chair as Sardinas is on his axe.

Track List:

Flames Of Love * Same Ol' Way * Bittersweet * Ain't No Crime * Big Red Line * Liar's Dice Blues * Black Pearls * Sorrol's Kitchen * Four Roses * Old Smyrna Road * Tenfold Trouble * Wicked Ways

© 2003 - Shaun Dale