Music review: Boz Scaggs – ‘Out of the Blues’
With a career that began over 50 years ago, Boz Scaggs continues to deliver impactful albums that leave a lasting impression.
The 74-year-old’s latest effort is a satisfying listen that serves as the third and final installment of blues and soul releases filled with the sounds that influenced his musical direction.
While 2013’s “Memphis” and 2015’s “A Fool to Care” are really strong releases, I always find myself going back to 1997’s “Come On Home” as one of my personal favorite Scaggs’ albums with memorable tracks like “I’ve Got Your Love” and “Goodnight Louise.”
“Out of the Blues” is a smooth, sophisticated and timeless journey that Scaggs treats with sincere love and respect.
From the slick grooves of the intoxicating opener “Rock and Stick” to the stinging message of the closer “The Feeling Is Gone,” Scaggs flawlessly leads a stirring set of tracks consisting of covers and a handful of originals penned by longtime friend Jack Walroth.
The album features quality performances by bassist Willie Weeks, drummer Jim Keltner, keyboardist Jim Cox and guitarists Doyle Bramhall II, Ray Parker Jr. and Charlie Sexton.
Highlights include a simmering cover of Jimmy McCracklin’s “I’ve Just Got to Know,” a passionate performance of Don Robey’s “I’ve Just Got to Forget You” and the Chuck Berry-sounding “Little Miss Night and Day,” co-written by Scaggs and Walroth.
Scaggs surprises fans with a haunting version of Neil Young’s “On the Beach” as he sings, “The world is turning/I hope it don’t turn away.” Scaggs does a masterful job in conveying the pain and isolation found in trying to escape the problems of the day.
Scaggs has proven that he’s in a league all his own. And yet, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction still eludes him.
I’ve seen Scaggs perform twice before. And you can bet that I’ll make it a third time as I get the “Lowdown” when Scaggs makes a local appearance at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall on Nov. 6.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.