993 Boz Scaggs - Boz Scaggs (1969)

993 Boz Scaggs - Boz Scaggs (1969)

Studio Album - Southern Rock/Blues Rock




About the Act:

Boz Scaggs is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist from Texas. He has played and sung in a variety of styles from blues rock, to soft rock and blue-eyed soul. His career has spanned from 1963 to now, but with several breaks. He is best known for the hit "Lido Shuffle".

About the Album:

This was Boz's second album, and although it did better than his debut "Boz", it still didn't get much traction when first released. Since then it has gained more recognition. It was recorded with the famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section at The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama.

My History with this Album:

I heard it for the first time today. I have had another of Boz's albums on cassette for years.

Review:

Straight after listening to, and reviewing the Girls album I put this on to play. My immediate impression was "whew, something worth listening to". As I got deeper into the album, I was forming the opinion that the band are really good, and that the songs are OK, but nothing special lyrically. The vocals also are OK, but not spectacular. Then I started digging for information and everything fell into place.

The band are the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, a house band for Muscle Shoals studio, that even I have heard of. I looked them up too, they have backed many, many high profile acts in recording, including Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart and many, many more. And this is it, they are the real stars of this record. Don't get me wrong, the songs are fine, good even, but not outstanding. The band are really hot and grooving. And the cherry on the cake is Duane Allman on slide and lead guitar on several tracks, which really elevates this to a good listen. 

Stylistically it's quite varied, with blues rock, R&B, soul, Americana, country, and even a nice kind of hobo sound on "Waiting for a train", including a quick yodel. Boz has a nice Southern drawl which suits the music well. It's a laid back soundtrack to a sunny Sunday. The rambling "Loan Me A Dime" is a great piece of slow gospel blues.

7.5/10




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