FORMER US ARMY SERVICEMAN & LOUISIANA CARPENTER TURNS TO MUSIC
CAREER, MUSIC MAKER RELIEF FOUNDATION AS HE FACES TROUBLES WITH HIS
VISION
September 30
will see the emergence of a major new soul music voice with Robert
Finley’s debut album ‘Age Don’t Mean a Thing’ on Big Legal Mess Records,
a Fat Possum imprint. Already, the New York Times has called the 62
year old north Louisianan singer “more than convincing… venerable but
vigorous.” NPR Music reviewed a performance of the Music Maker Blues
Revue featuring Finley, calling it “exciting… amazing… great stuff.” He
has performed at NYC’s prestigious GlobalFest and at the King Biscuit
Festival. He is set to follow that with an appearance at LA’s Skirball
Center on August 18.
Produced by Bruce Watson and Jimbo Mathus, the album traverses the
classic Booker T & The MGs-esque Memphis groove of “I Just Want To
Tell You,” the tough soul-blues of the title track, “Snake In My Grass,”
and “Is It Possible To Love 2 People,” the romantic deep soul of “Make
It With You,” danceable funk on “You Make Me Want To Dance,” the
tremolo- and organ-soaked heartache of “It’s Too Late.” Finley proves
himself a powerful songwriter, penning seven of the album’s nine tracks
himself.
Facing vision troubles after careers in the US Army and as a civilian
carpenter, Finley has decided to pursue music full-time with the
assistance of the Music Maker Relief Foundation.
Finley traveled north to Memphis to work with members of the Bo-Keys.
Players include a who’s who of the Memphis soul scene including drummer
Howard Grimes (Al Green, Otis Clay, Syl Johnson, OV Wright), Marc
Franklin (Bobby “Blue” Bland), Jimbo Mathus (Elvis Costello), Al Gamble
(St. Paul & The Broken Bones, the Hold Steady, Alex Chilton), Kirk
Smothers (Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Guy), Reba Russell (U2, BB King), Harold
Thomas (James Carr), Daunielle Hill (Solomon Burke).
No comments:
Post a Comment