Our resident lover of all things Blues, David (DOS) O’Sullivan checks out Blues Guitarist, Eric Gales latest offering ‘Middle Of The Road’ released on the February 24th
ERIC GALES “Middle of the Road”
Eric Gales ‘Middle Of The Road’
“I feel the most free I’ve been in my life. Even more than when I was a kid….you gotta help yourself, man once you can help yourself you can genuinely help someone else “ Eric Gales is no stranger to the musical spotlight or indeed hardship, having been hailed as a child prodigy at the age of 16 and compared to Jimi Hendrix, to a stint in jail for drugs and weapon possession.
Eric Gales
This album marks studio album number 15 and has seen Gales hailed by some of the greats as one of the best guitar player ever, high praise indeed from the likes of Carlos Santana, Joe Bonamassa and Dave Navarro.
The opening track “Good Time “ however disappoints but all is forgiven when “Change in Me “ hits the speakers…..make no mistake, this guy can play and his songs lay testament to another talent. “Boogie Man “sees the guest guitar of another great, Gary Clark Jr. who adds another dimension to Gale’s playing and brings the track to life. “Help Yourself” is another highlight featuring Christone “Kingfiish” Ingram, a 16-year-old prodigy and also Lance Lopez from Supersonic Blues Machine; Ingram could well be the carrier of the flame for the blues so it is great to see Gales involving this young man early in his career.
“Swamp“ is the closer and an absolute belter, combining church and jam band styles and is a live show highlight, definitely worth the album purchase alone. The album was recorded across the USA in several studios and features Aaron Hegarty ( Drums ) Dylan Wiggs (Organ) LaDonna Gales ( Backing vocals) and of course Eric Gales on guitar and vocals.
Middle Of The Road – is available on LP + MP3, CD and Digital, go to www.ericgalesband.com
Eric Gales performs at Bluesfest, Byron Bay 2017 this Easter.