FLOYD MILES AND FRIENDS
"MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB"
KING SNAKE RECORDS
Floyd Miles is a gifted vocalist who favors a soul/blues sound. His "friends" on this new CD include many familiar names involved with King Snake Records. There’s Ace Moreland and Warren King on guitars along with label owner Bob Greenlee on bass and acoustic guitar. And as is usually the case with King Snake releases, there’s a full horn section. However, what really makes this disc something special indeed is the inclusion of Floyd’s very special friend Gregg Allman. The recording is all original material written by different combinations of Miles, Allman, and Greenlee.
The opening track on the disc is called "Canine Potential," and with all the dog references it’s clear that Miles is having a good time with this one. However, the mood changes with the inspirational title song which follows. This is the first of several tunes that Miles and Allman duet on. They sound fabulous together.
Most of the songs that follow can best be described as horn driven, southern soul music. There are some exceptions such as the acoustic tunes "Goin Fishin’" and "Walked Out Slow." Both of these cuts feature the exquisite dobro of Ace Moreland. And when the horns are absent it’s usually the lead guitar of Warren King filling the spaces.
The final track on "Mountains To Climb" is also the best track. It is a Greenlee original called "Spending Christmas With The Blues." With the passionate vocals of Miles and Allman, the horns blasting, the guitars cranking, it all comes together on this outstanding song. This may be the best Greenlee song I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard lots of Greenlee songs! He’s one of the blues’ most prolific writers.
Floyd Miles didn’t just come up the pike yesterday. He’s been a recording artist for many, many years. He’s long been associated with Allman and has recently been touring with Gregg’s band. Hopefully this new disc will find its way not just to hard core blues fans but to the legends of Allman Brothers fans as well. "Mountains To Climb" is one of this year’s best recordings.
- Bill Harriman
**** 1/2