by Brian D. Holland.

Rufus Huff, the debut release from the band of the same name, was released on April 14, 2009, on Zoho Roots. Taking their name from two obscure bluesmen, Whistlin' Rufus and Luther Huff, the music of this Kentucky outfit is steeped deeply in the blues based hard rock of the '70s. Despite the fact that bands like Mountain, Cactus, Humble Pie, and ZZ Top easily come to mind upon hearing them, the pure southern grit and raw power exerted is genuine and natural to this group of seasoned veterans.

Recorded live in the studio with very few overdubs, Rufus Huff is 12 southern influenced hard driving and thunderously funky songs. The powerhouse quartet is made up of vocalist Jarrod England (Naked Mole Rats, the Fender Benders), drummer Chris Hardesty (Naked Mole Rats, Supafuzz, the Fender Benders), bassist Dean Smith (Taildragger, Supafuzz), and guitarist Greg Martin, present and original member of the Kentucky Headhunters since they were known as Itchy Brother. Known for his incredible licks and chops, and also for tasteful guitar tone that's sonically rich and full, his solos and fret movement are often subtle and modest yet perfectly suited to each song. Greg's one of those traditionalist rock players who knows how to get the most out of each and every note.

Although I sometimes dislike comparing a current band to earlier performers, as it sometimes puts them in a light of being imitators or unoriginal, the fact that the music of Rufus Huff is drenched neck deep in '70s hard-rock waters holds more of a pleasant significance than anything else. Originality is far from lacking in their music, especially in Martin's guitar playing style, a technique that's never excessive or predictable. And the arrangements are diverse and exciting. It's "throwback" music to a different era for sure, but it's a welcomed approach to southern influenced rock that weighs heavily on a predilection for style, volume, and tone.

Listen to "13 Daze" from Rufus Huff

From the album's opener, "13 Daze," to the final note in "Funky Junk," all of the arrangements are coerced along by the potent percussive drive of a dynamic rhythm section. Martin's creative guitar riffs and chops add to the subterranean punch flawlessly, and the profoundly brown and natural tone of his Gibson Les Paul into a cranked Marshall stack is the band's unique and signature sound. Jarrod England's vocal wail survives impeccably throughout the potent instrumental onslaught.

Among nine Rufus Huff originals are three outstanding covers, including Sonny Boy Williamson's "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" and Willie Dixon's "I Ain't Superstitious." The third is country singer Dale Ann Bradley's "Run Rufus Run," which fits in perfectly considering the band's name. However, the only detail that matches the original is the story within the lyrics, as the country tune gets rocked up to a potent funk here.

Rufus Huff is a genuine southern hard-rock album by a genuine southern hard-rock band. Their music is all about style and tone. The fact that it's executed so tastefully is proof enough of just how serious and practiced the group really is. It's a CD that fans of blues and boogie based hard-rock shouldn't be without.

Rufus Huff Track Listing
1. 13 Daze
2. High On Heaven Hill
3. Run Rufus Run
4. El Lago
5. Shiley's
6. Gotta Have Her Name
7. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
8. It's All Right
9. The Bottom
10. Hain't No Good Life
11. I Ain't Superstitious
12. Funky Junk

Label: Zoho Roots

Links:
Rufus Huff
Rufus Huff on Amazon