I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Took You Long Enough, from Brad Stivers and it's terrific! Just barely in his mid twenties, Austin's Brad Stivers has really hit it deep on this one. Opening with rock n roller, 2000 miles, Brad Stivers steps up to the mic with his telecaster and just lets it fly. His vocals are clear and his playing clean. On Latin flavored, You're Just About To Lose Your Clown, Mark Wilson really rips on sax and the tight drum work of Nico Loophonte, coupled with Bobby Perkins on bass sets a hot plate for sizzling hot guitar riffs by Stivers. Put It Down is a super boogie with key changes and twangy guitar riffs. Smokin! Lightly funked title track, Took You Long Enough, makes it hard to stay in your seat. Funky rhythm guitar with tight drums, and Odie Hill on bass keeps this party rolling with crisp understated low octave guitar soloing. Emily Gimble is featured on country track, Here We Go Again, with Eric Fraygocki on bass, Gimble on piano and Bukka Allen on B3. Malford Milligan takes front and center on popular blues track, Nickel and a Nail. Dripping soul this track really hits a nice groove with Bobby Perkins on bass and Allen's organ work is spot on with mature soloing by Stivers. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release, a Bartholomew/King composition is instrumental One Night With You showing the style and composure of Sean Costello or Danny Gatton. Very nice! On Can't Wait, Stivers develops that classic Texas style guitar lope with just the right syncopation and feel. Another excellent soulful track is Save Me, with Stivers literally wailing out the blues. With controlled lower octave guitar, fan picking and tremolo this track is dramatic and solid. Wrapping the release is James Brown's classic, Cold Sweat. Now I gotta tell you I have a soft spot for James Brown but Cold Sweat is near the top. Stivers does it instrumental all the way ... excellent guitar melody with Perkens and Loophonte fanning the flames for this fiery hot close to a super release!
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