LARRY CARLTON
Sapphire Blue (Bluebird)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Though he's had some solo success and has been a featured player in some fine groups, notably the Crusaders and Fourplay, much of Larry Carlton's career has been devoted to making other people sound much better than they might have without him. He's been part of over 100 gold albums by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, a whole rack of soundtracks and much more. At one point in his career as an A-list session man he was cutting up to 500 albums a year.

For Sapphire Blue, Bluebird Records gave him free reign, and he assembled his own A-list supporting cast, putting together horn and rhythm sections to support one of the best instrumental blues releases you're ever going to want to hear. Larry Carlton has always played the blues, but he's gained far too little recognition as a bluesman. The difference is subtle, an almost intangible gap between something one does and something one is. Sapphire Blue erases the distinction for Larry Carlton. He's a bluesman, pure and simple.

It's apparent from the opening notes of the showband dynamics of "Friday Shuffle" to the last notes of the acoustic call and response between Carlton's guitar and Terry McMillan's harmonica on "Take Me Down," and it's totally satisfying every step of the way in between.

Track List:

Friday Night Shuffle * A Pair Of Kings * Night Sweats * Sapphire Blue * 7 For You * Slightly Dirty * Just An Excuse * Take Me Down

© 2004 - Shaun Dale