Let The Good Times Roll - A NW Tribute To Ray Charles CD

This tribute to Ray Charles is performed by a host of regional artists from the northwestern United States. It's well-meaning, and in some cases very well done. It's also a benefit recording for the Oregon Food Bank, by Patrick Lamb Productions. The best moments here are by Lamb himself on "Let the Good Times Roll," with a solid horn chart; "Hallelujah I Love Her So," by Olivia Warfield and Paul deLay; Norman Sylvester's rollicking read of "What'd I Say" (not an easy tune to pull off convincingly, but he does it like he wrote it); Linda Hornbuckle's "Unchain My Heart"; and Duffy Bishop's beautiful read of "You Don't Know Me." There is plenty, plenty soul on this tribute, and it's a fitting one -- far better in execution, passion, and intent than many recorded by the "big stars." ~ Thom Jurek

Recording information: Kung Fu Bakery, Portland, OR.

Personnel: Eddie Martinez, Peter Dammann (guitar); Paul deLay (harmonica); Reggie Houston (alto saxophone); Patrick Lamb (tenor saxophone, background vocals); Renato Caranto (tenor saxophone); Tim Bryson (baritone saxophone); Steve Cannon, Thara Memory (trumpet); Dan Brewster, Stan Bock (trombone); Janice Scroggins, D.K. Stewart (piano); Duffy Bishop, Lee Garrett (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Dave Friedlander.