Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jimmy Hall & The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Collective: Build ...

138

Jimmy Hall & The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Collective: Build Your Own Fire

By

Sign in to view read count
Jimmy Hall & The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Collective: Build Your Own Fire
Singer/harmonicist Jimmy Hall was once a Wet Willie. The band, formed in 1969, went on to create some lively, good time music that found its spirit in the blues, rock 'n' roll and a tinge of white soul. After they had their day in the sun, they disbanded (though they still continue playing concerts as Wet Willie when Hall is in the line-up). Hall moved to Nashville playing the blues, working with Hank Williams Jr. ( who has the blues in his blood) and recording his own Rendezvous With the Blues (Rockin' Camel Music, 1996). The aptly titled Build You Own Fire features songs written by Eddie Hinton.

Hinton was a troubled person but he wrote some mighty fine songs. Evidence is seen not only in his recorded work but also on the songs here, which were discovered by producer Tallan Ware. They speak of everyday life and are bathed in the blues and its tributaries. Hall makes them all the more significant. The choice of songs brings out the depth and range of his voice, and he sings with power and conviction. Ware also assembled the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Collective, which makes a significant contribution to the sound of the record.

One of the strongest songs is the poignant "Cover Me. Hall is in gut-wrenching form without being over-dramatic. He knows exactly how to draw the right amount of emotion and make it compelling. He boogies down for "Poor Old Me, turning on the heat with Larry Byrom and Greg Martin biting down on the beat and driving the pulse with their guitars. "I Found A True Love, a blues 'n' boogie tune, has a lighter texture. It's a positive love song and shows another side of Hinton. There is also an interesting interview with David Hood, one of the original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section members, on Hinton.

Hall, Hinton and the Collective make for a potent and entertaining combination.

Track Listing

Still Want to Be Your Man; Salty; Here I Am; Poor Old Me; Coming After You; Cover Me; Build Your Own Fire; It

Personnel

Jimmy Hall
saxophone

Jimmy Hall: vocals, harmonicas; The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Collective: Clayton Ivey: keyboards; Larry Byrom: guitars; David Hood: bass; Jonathan Dees: bass; with Delbert McClinton: vocals (1); Kira Small: vocals (2, 12); Bruce Dees: vocals (3); Greg Martin: guitars

Album information

Title: Build Your Own Fire | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Zoho Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.