Donnie
Fritts – June (A Tribute To Arthur Alexander) (Single
Lock Records)
Donnie Fritts and Arthur Alexander met in the ‘50s, when Fritts
was just 16 and Alexander 18, and they remained close until the latter’s death
in 1993. Of coarse, music provided the initial link, writing and playing
together, though it could hardly have been common for a white kid and a black
kid to be hanging out together - under any circumstances.
Arthur Alexander’s importance and legacy has never been disputed.
His songs have been covered by The Beatles, The Stones and Bob Dylan, and his
debut hit ‘You Better Move On’, recorded at the original FAME Studios at Muscle
Shoals was the breakout hit for both Alexander and the studio (indeed, studio
owner Rick Hall used the proceeds from ‘You Better Move On’ to finance the
building of a new studio at Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals, still the current
facility).
Fritts’ versions of these classic Southern R&B songs – many of
which he co-wrote - are full of warmth and emotion. They’re earthier than Alexander’s
originals, more homely and less imposing, but none-the-less charming, and one
can’t help but approve of the depth of feeling that seeps from every note.
Fritts has done his old friend proud, and fans of both will find much to enjoy.
There’s no shortage of highlights, but it would be amiss if I
didn’t mention a few. “All The Time’ is just tremendous. Anchored by Fritts’
organ, a song that’s already chock full of heartache, takes on a level of
sadness that’s almost unbearable. ‘Soldier Of Love’ is beautifully ramshackle,
with a chorus that simply soars and the inevitable closer ‘Adios Amigo’ - a
timeless tale of friends saying goodbye. As poignant as it gets, really.
Rollo
No comments:
Post a Comment