Eugene McDaniels - Intimate Screams and Whispers
(self-released)
The funkmeister Left Rev. McDaniels returns after a criminally overlong three-and-a-half decade absence with this bluesy, ballsy, wailin' 'n' sailin' collection of soulful grooves. "Trapped," features screaming guitar solos from John Patti, and McDaniels' smooth, breathy vocals, not unlike Hendrix. Some jazzy ivory tinkling from co-writer/arranger Ted Brancato propels McDaniels' pining plea for sanity in a world seemingly bent on nuclear destruction ("Nuclear Dancing") and Leyna (no surname) takes center stage for "You've Taken All" and, believe you me, this ain't no "American Idol" reject. This sister can wail, baby! Sing it, mama. Whoa! There're also some nice harmonies from Eugene's son, Mateo Denali and a tasty "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" guitar vibe courtesy Woody Allen (no, not THAT one!) chugging along in the background.
Matt Langley's wailing tenor sax solo opens "Too Rare," a finger-poppin', be-boppin' duet with McDaniel's co-producer, Carrie Coltrane (no, not THAT one either!), which also features Brancato's happy fingers on piano. (McDaniels and Coltrane have known each other for over 20 years and Eugene produced and collaborated on Carrie's solo albums, Child Inside My Heart, Flamenco Sketches, and The First Time, all released on the Numoon imprint they formed in 1996. Many of the label's "house band" musicians, including Langley and Brancato, also appear throughout this recording.) McDaniels turns the reins over to his son, Jam Master Django, who programmed all the instruments and provides the cautionary motor-mouthed rap on "Babies and Raisin's," sort of a cross between Tom Tom Club's "Wordy Rappinghood" and another of Ian Dury's "Reasons To Be Cheerful, Pt. III." Let's call this "Part IV." Vocal assistance from Gene's daughter, Dali and son, Mateo and Coltrane's son, Daniel Kearns makes this one a true family affair.
Fans of McDaniels' 1970 debut "comeback" album, Outlaw (recently reissued and reviewed here), know the Left Rev. is a straight-shooting proselytizer who won't take no shit from no "evil people," be they corporate execs or double-speaking politicos. So the funky soap-box sermon, "Alien" (with backing vocals from sons Mateo and Django) should come as no surprise that he isn't afraid to kick ass and take names. Behold, ye, the wrath of McDaniels: his warnings are righteous... his aim is true. His heart grows weary for the heartless and cruel.
Rockers will enjoy the barnstormin' footstomper, "All Night" (kudos once again to Patti's nasty guitar licks and Coltrane's backing vocals) and the emotionally gut-wrenching, smoky, late-night caberet confessional "Long Way From Home" features an elaborate arrangement (wonderfully done by McDaniels and Coltrane) with Brancato once again providing an impressive piano and bass accompaniment, highlighted by McDaniels' powerfully evocative voice which totally belies his 69 years. So, whether your tastes run to Isaac Hayes, Sly Stone or The Chambers Brothers, there's no denyin' you be flyin' over this triumphant return. Get down and get funky with the Left Rev. McD! (Note: The disk is currently available directly from Ms. Coltrane via her Numoon website listed above.)
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