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First Nations Composer Initiative
Distance: 2.6 Mi332 Minnesota St E
55101-1300 Saint Paul -
Minnesota Music Cafe
Distance: 3.8 Mi4449 Payne Ave
55420 Saint Paul -
Wild Goose Chase Cloggers
Distance: 3.6 Mi456 Ashland Ave
55102-2006 Saint Paul -
Greenwood Tree
Distance: 3.8 Mi2169 Upper Afton Rd E
55119-4641 Saint Paul -
Fein Violins, Ltd.
Distance: 6.1 Mi1850 Grand Ave
55105 Saint Paul
Description
Corey Stevens has long been compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan, but in fact he, like Vaughan, was influenced by Albert King and had even covered "Crosscut Saw" and "I'll Play The Blues For You" on his first album. It's appropriate that he pay tribute to one of his musical inspirations with Albertville, his first release on Ruf Records. Stevens' previous releases have proved that he is a gifted composer as well as guitarist and singer who has branched out far beyond the early SRV comparisons, but Albertville is a change for Stevens, who usually writes his own material for his albums. This time around, he features nine songs either written or covered by King, but does slip in one original composition, "Another Pretty Face," a clever song that fits in perfectly with the cover tunes. While there are faithful versions of several of King's classic songs that will be familiar to even casual fans ("Breaking Up Somebody's Home," "Cold Women With Warm Hearts," "I Get Evil," and "Got To Be Some Changes Made"), Stevens wisely chooses some of King's more obscure songs as well. These tracks, while not as well known as others, are an excellent representation of King's overall style, and include "A Real Good Sign," a standout with its punchy horns, "That's What The Blues Is All About," and the funky "Little Brother (Make A Way)." Stevens plays these songs in King's style, but is more reverential than derivative. He never overdoes it, opting for a crisper, cleaner style...