Damon Fowler has a smokyMemphis-like style of soul and blues at its peak on his third album. The combination infuses his originals (“After The Rain”) with a Southern rock feel that recalls Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Once In Awhile”), Little Feat (“Cypress In The Pines”), early Leon Russell, and even a touch of Lee Michaels, in “You Go Your Way” and the title cut.

Fowler plays all the guitars here, including righteously funky steel on “Fruit Stand Lady,” but shows a lot of self-discipline by avoiding indulgent solos. Instead, he follows the example of the best players, notably session greats like Steve Cropper, by working in service to the song. That attitude shows in the restrained-but-evocative solo in “After The Rain” (one of the albums – and Fowler’s – finest songs), the groove-heavy “28 Degrees” and the jamworthy “Cypress” and “Don’t Call Me.” It’s a lesson some artists are a long time learning, but it turns a good song into a good record.

This article originally appeared in VG‘s April ’11 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.

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