Esoteric

es-o-ter-ic [adj] Designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone In this case, that would be music lovers who have been washed in the waters of Rock and Roll infused with deep rooted Gospel Blues. Step back Non-Believers, this is as good as it gets! For those who are unfortunately unfamiliiar with this dynamic duo, their unique blend defies any real comparison. It would take some fantasy, like Ray Charles with Tina Turner and Bobby Keys playing Irish poetry to even begin to describe what this record encompasses. The instrumentation, production and mixing is nice and tight. It's no secret that Whitlock's vocals are some of the all time best, but along with his all-powerful keyboards and CoCo's big league howlin'sax, puts thier sound in rarified air, indeed. There is guitar work galore that is diverse, stylish and sublime. All along, the band's rhythm sections keeps the whole thing rollin' like the Mighty Mississippi. The magic all comes together in the Songs. Every track is a sophisticated musical journey that takes unexpected twist and turns -- somehow always fitting perfectly. The lyrics and melodies are "one in the same" with each word playing the note. Bobby and CoCo paint pictures that transport listeners to places we've all been -- the themes are life's constant companions: loving, losing, moving on and coming home. Yet, in every track they evoke the ambiguity that make all those emotions run together. If you are not sweating or on your knees (probably both) after the first three songs and then "John the Revelator" then turn up the volume and start over to hear what you missed. This record is a collection of treasure with Bobby and CoCo supporting each other instrumentally, vocally and emotionally. Whitlock's "Roll On" has all the qualities to make it an all time favorite like Bobby Charles', Tennessee Blues" or Donnie Fritts', "We Had It All". CoCo's vocals and sax on "Nobody Knows", finds a groove that is down and dirty and exquisite at the same time. By the time you get to the last track, "Changing Faces", open the back door because you'll need a cool breeze.