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Joe Beard: For Real

By Ed Kopp
August 1, 1999
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Joe Beard is a slack-mouthed blues singer and guitarist from the Mississippi Delta who now lives in Rochester, N.Y. His second AudioQuest release unites him with five of my favorite blues musicians: guitar-slinger Duke Robillard, harmonica-ace Jerry Portnoy, and three of Ronnie Earl's former Broadcasters including keyboard-whiz Bruce Katz. For Real offers up seven original tunes and six covers. It intersperses slow, heartfelt ballads such as "Elem" with fast-paced numbers such as "See See Rider" and "Reap What You Sow." Katz, Robillard and Portnoy trade fiery solos throughout, and Beard's singing is soul-drenched and passionate. Throw in the crack rhythm section, and this is one fine blues release, particularly if you like your blues slow and soulful.

Personnel

Joe Beard

Album information

Title: For Real | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: AudioQuest Music

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