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Some mean guitar
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This review first appeared in the August 26, 1988 issue of The San Diego Evening Tribune.
Not since the late 1960s have we witnessed such a richness of blues and rock guitar heroes. Tom Principato, former lead guitarist for the East Coast R&B band Powerhouse, is a better instrumentalist than singer, but his playing is so powerful that it outweights his weak vocals and makes this album a must-have for roadhouse rock and blues fans.
"I Won't Recover" is an uptempo rural rocker that gives Principato plenty of room to stretch out. His solos are imaginative, never rushed, andshow a fine feel for the blues within a rock format. "Never Make a Move Too Soon" is a Chicago-style blues with a large horn section and space for bassist/composer Steve Wolf to solo. "Congo Square" has a New Orleans twist to its swing.
The highlight of the album, though, is "Blue Lights." This instrumental serves as a showcase for Principato's considerable skills. Putting his guitar through its paces, he leaves the listener exhausted just from trying to keep up.