Larry Carlton

Larry Carlton - Sapphire Blue - 2003 - Bluebird

Larry Carlton may not have been issuing records in the United States with any regularity, but Sapphire Blue proves he hasn't been sitting on his hands, either. It's Carlton's first blues-oriented album in many years. Featuring a large band with a complete horn section, Reese Wynans on B-3, Matt Rollings on Rhodes piano, Terry McMillan on piano, and others, Carlton is in fine, even understated form here. This group plays like a band with a soloist at its center, not like a bunch of paid hacks backing up a guitar whiz. Witness the gorgeous horn charts by Jim Horn on "Friday Night Shuffle," and the triple melody line in "A Pair of Kings." The laid-back, jazzy blues feel of "Night Sweats," with a memorable groove and minimal horn punctuations, leaves Carlton's guitar room to jam inside a warm space. The title track is a B.B. King-style groover -- à la 1970 -- with a stinging, slightly distorted guitar sound from Carlton. This isn't the blues, it is blues, played soulfully and with considerable musicianship that forgoes flash for feeling, albeit muted by pristine production. Carlton's fans may puzzle over this one a bit because of its concentration on aesthetic beauty and relative purity, but those who weren't paying attention should sit up and take notice. © Thom Jurek © 2013 Rovi Corp | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/sapphire-blue-mw0000324808

We won’t speak about Larry’s inspired solo on “Kid Charlemagne”, but arguably Larry Carlton is one of the most talented and gifted guitarists in the world today. Who has this guy not played with? It’s a pity Larry hasn’t recorded more blues orientated albums like the one here which is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to Larry’s marvellous “Last Nite” album which fully demonstrates his fabulous guitar skills [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 115 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Friday Night Shuffle 4:25
2 A Pair Of Kings 5:50
3 Night Sweats 8:10
4 Sapphire Blue 8:14
5 7 For You 5:06
6 Slightly Dirty 5:52
7 Just An Excuse 5:09
8 Take Me Down 5:42

All tracks composed by Larry Carlton

MUSICIANS

Guitar - Larry Carlton
Bass - Michael Rhodes
Fender Rhodes Electric Piano - Matt Rollings
Hammond B3 Organ - Reese Wynansnder
Drums - Billy Kilson
Percussion - Eric Darken
Tenor Saxophone - Mark Douthit
Baritone Saxophone - Jim Horn
Trumpet - Steve Patrick
Trombone - Chris Dunn
Harmonica - Terry McMillan