After The Storm by Bobby Kyle

STANDING IN THE BACKGROUND/WORK IT OUT/AFTER THE STORM/CAN'T MAKE ENDS MEET/LOVE OF MINE/GOT WHAT YOU WANTED/GOING OUT WALKING/UPPER MILL/ROLLING UP MY SLEEVES/TURNING POINT

NY CD-Takes

STANDING IN THE BACKGROUND: Bobby plays guitar with a distortion effect giving his shuffle a unique sound as he sings of waiting for the woman of his affections to make the next move, which could very well be a termination of their relationship. Eddie Kirkland provides much more than a standard backup vocal, singing his commentary on the situation and adding all the support he can.

WORK IT OUT: A unit called the Uptown Horns, two saxophones, a trumpet and a trombone give this number a spectacularly lush sound. "We're gonna turn our money green" Bobby promises his woman. Floyd Phillips pumps out a majestic tempo on his piano and Bobby's guitar wails.

AFTER THE STORM: The title song is an exciting rocking blues that features Johnny Copeland's daughter, Shemekia, on background vocals. Bobby shows his ability to play a slow blues guitar solo.

LOVE OF MINE: The Uptown Horns return to give this song another powerful boost. Bobby sings this shuffle with great gusto. His guitar cranks through a wah-wah pedal giving it an old time feel.

GOT WHAT YOU WANTED: This is one of the prettiest songs on the album, a modern funky blues that sounds a little like the style of Robert Cray. Floyd Phillips takes a moving piano solo here.

GOING OUT WALKING: Johnny Copeland takes the lead guitar duties as the Uptown Horns return. This boogie is right out of the T-Bone Walker style book and the entire band is as tight as Bobby sings of being so mad that he has blood in his eyes and the safest thing for all concerned is for him to go take a walk.

UPPER MILL: Joey Simon sits on harmonica to add a new flavor to this deliciously slow moody instrumental. Bobby plays the lead guitar while overdubbing an acoustic slide guitar. Floyd's Phillip's piano is also effective. A very interesting cut.

ROLLING UP MY SLEEVES: A hard rocking blues that takes no prisoners. "Please don't tempt me, don't push me around," Bobby sings his threats as he promises to stand his ground. Joey Simon takes a nice harp solo here.

TURNING POINT: Bobby ends this promising debut disc with an upbeat number featuring the Uptown Horns. This one is pure soul and Bobby sounds absolutely blissful as he describes meeting the girl of his dreams.

Reviewed by Toby Levy

Copyright 1997 NY CD Blues

Bobby Kyle made his mark with his debut solo CD "After The Storm" in 1997. Bobby Kyle's mournful slide guitar has been praised on the pages of Living Blues and Jazz Times. His style, while refreshingly new, is respectful of traditional blues forms. He delivers authentic rural blues on both acoustic and National Steel guitar. Special guests include Johnny "Clyde" Copeland and Eddie Kirkland.

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