Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings - Collector's Edition Box Set (2011)

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Collector's Edition Box Set
Proper American
2011

Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman never intended to retire when he left the Rolling Stones in 1992.  He has had several post-Stones projects, his most recent being the Rhythm Kings, a band he shares with musical partner Terry Taylor, guitarist Albert Lee, and organist Georgie Fame.  The Proper American Collector's Edition Box Set covers all of the band's releases to date.  It is a five-CD chocked-full collection of mostly 3- and 4-minute R&B-flavored songs, all expertly played.  Equal parts originals and standards, the collection also features the likes of Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Mark Knopler and Peter Frampton.  There is nothing to not enjoy about this music.

Lawrence Lebo - Happy 25th Anniversary Baby

Lawrence Lebo
Happy 25th Anniversary Baby
On The Air Records
2011

With her Don't Call Her Larry trilogy placing her firmly on the jazz-roots map, vocalist Lawrence Lebo sends husband-bassist Denny Croy a love note in the form of an EP, Happy 25th Anniversary Baby.  Smokin' is the title piece with a great guitar solo by  Tony Mandracchia and Hammond B-3 daydreams by Larry "Big House" David.  Lebo is in unrestrained voice.  Her self-penned "Shouting You Business" in two versions (one "clean" and one something other), is most fun, leaving this writer wanting more.  Her lyrics are simple and clever.  Lebo does not complicate things lyrically.  The song is given a bit of a zydeco flair with Carl Byron's accordion, stimulating all of the dance receptors.  Okay, Lawrence, let's have a whole album of this!