by Brian D. Holland.

An interesting aspect about Living In The Light, the newest studio release from Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, is that it encompasses everything in the Ronnie Earl musical spectrum - instrumentally, lyrically, and spiritually. And although it's all within the blues realm in one way or another because Ronnie never strays entirely from blues territory, he once again stretches those elastic boundaries as far as they can go without reaching a breaking point. The fact that his music includes profuse jazz, soul, and gospel influences allots the elasticity in the boundaries incredible bending ability in diverse directions. And it's certainly modern-day electric blues of the finest quality, acoustic as well.

Although Ronnie's studio material and concert performances have been largely instrumental over the past few years, this one once again has a handful of appealing vocal pieces on it. It's an aspect that's blatantly perceptible from the start. The title words in the opening song, "Love Love Love," soar abruptly and passionately from the mouth of guest vocalist Dave Keller. The Vermont native, known for his soulful and passionate performances in The Dave Keller Band, adds another fine vocal presentation to "What Can I Do For You." It's an eight-minute slow blues and gospel-influenced Bob Dylan cover featuring magnificent performances from the Broadcasters as a whole and an outstanding solo from the man they call Mr. Earl in particular.

Listen to "Love Love Love" from Living In The Light

Largely known for his vocals and blues harp duties in the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson is no stranger to the music of Ronnie Earl. The two friends hook up once again to record some great blues on three tracks here, the first being a straightforward acoustic rendition of Robert Jr. Lockwood's "Take A Little Walk With Me." Most notably, his voice is both subtle and poignant in "Child Of A Survivor," a song dedicated to holocaust survivors, which is an issue close to Ronnie's heart. The fact that he's the offspring of Jewish survivors who lived through one of the most horrifying periods in history is truly relevant in this slow blues tune. The genocidal event is exemplified in the lyrical theme to help enforce the understanding that it should never be forgotten, a reflection that's as important today as it was at the end of the second world war, as terrorism and hatred are frightening realities still. This is one of a few songs on the album in which Ronnie is able to shed light on issues of genuine importance, to him as well as to others. And although all but three of the album's tracks are Ronnie Earl originals, this is one of two written collaboratively with close friend Deborah Blanchard. The second is "Donna Lee," a moving acoustic blues featuring Kim Wilson on vocals and harp. Of personal value lyrically, it's about the bonding strength and love shared between Ronnie and his wife Donna.

Fans still yearning to hear Ronnie and the band get into some breathtaking instrumentals needn't fret, because Living In The Light doesn't lack in that area. Both "S.O.S." and "River Charles Blues" are superb treats in which Ronnie soars off into blues guitar heaven, with the Broadcasters rhythm section in brilliant, unadulterated support. "Recovery Blues" is a melancholy melody highlighting recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, another topic Ronnie's passionate about. A guitarist known for purity in sound, one that needs no effects, his guitar's straight-to-amp resonance is placid and clean throughout, and totally fitting to the "clean" in body and mind premise of the song. Living In The Light closes contentedly with a beautiful slow blues instrumental, entitled, "Pastorale."

Living In The Light is a comprehensive and gratifying release from Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, one that's resplendent with exhilarating instrumental blues excursions and passionate vocals. To follow the CD and DVD releases of the successful Hope Radio sessions with another brilliant studio release proves that the creative juices are flowing strongly within Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. And with the extraordinary guitarist at the helm, they've surely got a lot to say both instrumentally and lyrically, and once again it's all about "hope" and "living in the light." That's the power of the blues for sure.

Living In The Light Track Listing
1. Love Love Love (Ronnie Earl & Dave Keller)
2. S.O.S. (Ronnie Earl)
3. Take A Little Walk With Me (Robert Jr. Lockwood)
4. River Charles Blues (Ronnie Earl)
5. What Can I Do For You (Bob Dylan)
6. Recovery Blues (Ronnie Earl)
7. Blues for Fathead (Ronnie Earl)
8. Child of a Survivor (Ronnie Earl & Deborah Blanchard)
9. Blues for the South Side (Ronnie Ear)
10. Ain’t Nobody’s Business (Porter Grainger & Everett Robbins)
11. Donna Lee (Ronnie Earl & Deborah Blanchard)
12. Pastorale (Ronnie Earl)

Stony Plain Music - 2009

Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters:
Ronnie Earl – guitar
Dave Limina – Hammond B3 and piano
Jim Mouradian – bass
Lorne Entress – drums

Guest Performers
Kim Wilson – harmonica and vocals
Dave Keller – vocals
David Maxwell – piano
Rod Carey – bass on "Child Of A Survivor"
Jason James – second guitar on "Charles River Blues"

Produced by Ronnie Earl
Executive Producer - Holger Petersen

Links:
Ronnie Earl
Living In The Light on Amazon