There are lots of blues fans who have been waiting impatiently for this new disc. Bill Perry’s debut CD in 1995 called "Love Scars" catapulted him to among the best of a new generation of blues guitarists. It was a recording that highlighted Perry’s ferocious incendiary guitar licks and deep gritty vocals. "Greycourt Lightning" picks up where "Love Scars" left off. However this one is more diverse than the first, especially with the instrumentation. There are horns, pianos, and B5 organs complementing Perry’s guitar-driven music. Of course it still captures Ferry’s tough, urban sound.
Perry opens things up with an upbeat party song called "Gettin’ Down." While this song immediately grabs your attention, it is followed by an R & B type song called "In Pain." Even in a more poignant song like this, Perry’s guitar has that certain bite you’ve come to expect from him.
"About Me (Why I Got The Blues)" represents the definitive Perry style. Whereas B.B. King says that he can not sing and play at the sane time, Bill Perry will actually sing through his solos. It’s a style that makes him instantly recognizable.
The surprise of the disc has to be Perry’s cover of "Blue Suede Shoes." With the horn section right up front with his guitar he creates a version that is so funky he makes James Brown look like Pat Boone. Wait ‘til you hear this one! On "Trust In You" Perry surprises again with a deep delta blues sound featuring an acoustic bottleneck slide. It’s a haunting melody. He takes the acoustic out again later in the disc for a more topical song called "Evil Woman."
The title cut "Greycourt Lightning" is one of those danceable instrumentals where all of the musicians get a chance to strut their stuff. Perhaps the hardest edged, most aggressive song is "My Life." Perry opens the song with the words "late night bars and screaming guitars starting to get to me." Perry absolutely wails in this one.
There’s no sophomore slump with this offering. Bill Perry has shown here that he is comfortable with funk, ballads, and acoustic songs. However when he wants to flex his muscle - look out! Perry has become a friend to the area with his recent appearances at Burke’s Tavern in Niantic. Make a note to catch this guy next time he’s back in town.