Dave Specter and Steve Freund
Is What It Is ( Delmark )
Dave Specter and Steve Freund
Review by Nate Dow
Friday, February 4, 2005
Upon first breaking into the Chicago blues scene nearly 20 years ago,
guitar phenom Dave Specter was befriended by fellow axman Steve Freund,
who'd refined his chops playing with luminaries such as Sunnyland Slim,
Big Walter Horton, Pinetop Perkins and Homesick James. The two quickly
developed a bond that defied their contrasting styles and approaches.
This first collaborative project is a long-overdue musical consummation
of that friendship, the perfect synthesis of their styles and one of
the best blues albums of the year.
Specter, like Boston legend Ronnie Earl (another guitar great with
whom Specter has collaborated), gravitates toward the blurred line between
blues and jazz, infusing his instrumental originals with the influences
of Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell.
Freund embodies the classic Chicago blues sound, bringing gritty picking
and soulful vocals to his originals. Specter and Freund also merge beautifully
on seven covers - including two Peter Green songs, the Curtis Mayfield
classic ``People Get Ready'' and an astounding take on ``While My Guitar
Gently Weeps.'' Through all 12 tracks, the unique bond of these two
Chicago guitar legends amazes.
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