What a great record from Kim Wilson and what a voice if you’ve never had the pleasure before! If you’re on the hunt for a nice balanced mix of originals and covers and hanker for some harp-infused Blues then stop right here. After 17 years away from M.C. Records Kim Wilson has returned with the kind of gusto that previously won him Grammy nominations.
‘Take Me Back’ comes as Kim’s first record in 4 years and for those that know him from The Fabulous Thunderbirds alone then it’s time you checked the solo stuff. Supported by a great cast of musicians and some wonderful guitar by Jon Atkinson and Billy Flynn, plus drums from Marty Dodson and bass courtesy of Rusty Zinn, this is one now to miss.
With so many great tracks it’s hard to pick highlights rather than just let it all wash over you but ‘You’ve Been Goofin’s’ retro bar-room Blues is a real winner for me, and so is ‘Strollin” which is driven by guitar and harp. But there’s also the ‘hoot’ of ‘Slow Down’; the energy of ‘Out of the Frying Pan’ and the wonderfully languid ‘Money, Marbles and Chalk’ which lets the keys take the lead and teh guitar hot the accents. It’s heady stuff!
8/10