Robert Gordon
Rockabilly For Life
(Cleopatra)

Even greater than this disc's particular merits (which are abundant) is what it represents: A new and triumphant manifestation of Robert's nonpareil identity as vital link between cool sounds that once provoked crowds to delirium and this fraught moment, so in need of genuine rock'n'roll unmolested by studio sterility.

The road's been rocky, from the 1970s NYC scene to contemporary global renown. But the only hint of that in Robert's voice now is a bit of seasoning. Otherwise, he sounds as stentorian and assuredly declarative as during the Private Stock sessions with Link Wray.

He growls, hiccups, and yelps as befits a man who is of similar gold-standard rank as the genre's pioneers. His range yer amazes, grandiloquence knocking back on their pins every cat and gator in the joint.

In illustration of the man's elevated worth, celebrated musicians rally beneath his banner: James Williamson, guitar madman of the illustrious Stooges, electrifies. So do Letterman piano-pounder Paul Schaffer, Dale Watson, Blaster Dave Alvin, and Blondie's Clem Burke. 

And Booker T and the MG's Steve Cropper, Linda Gail Lewis, Albert Lee, Go-Go Kathy Valentine, and longtime RG accompanist Chris Spedding. And Jimmie Hall, Rosie Flores, Joe Louis Walker, Steve Wariner, and Emanuela Hutter.

Appropriately spartan production by Danny B. Harvey (the fretboard virtuoso who also sits in on these sessions) is of the executive character demanded by this top-shelf amalgamation. 

A galaxy of nuggets come in for fiery reinterpretation, never sounding more solid, more relevant. So long as heart-fevers rage and rhythms shake skeletons, sounds so suitable will enjoy urgent demand.

Plaudits for this CD as a career-crown, though, might be premature, as still more majesty may be around the corner.


Recommended: "Steady With Betty," "Let's Go Baby," "Everybody's Rocking But Me," "She Will Come Back To Me," "Try Me," "I'm Glad My Baby's Gone Away," "Please Give Me Something," "Black Cadillac," "Three Alley Cats," "If You Want It Enough," "Hot Dog! That Made Her Mad," "One Cup of Coffee," "I've Had Enough," "Would Ja," "Knock Three Times.

Bandcamp (previews and track-ordering options, here)

International Fan Club Facebook page

Cleopatra (CD ordering)