Search - Frank Frost, Sam Carr :: Jelly Roll Kings

This release from the Jelly Roll Kings, the longtime Frank Frost and Sam Carr partnership (with the new addition of Fred James on guitar and bass), is full of colors and dynamics, packed into a dozen electric blues songs. Frost drapes his mournful singing and his harmonica squalls over the insistent rhythmic pulse of James and Carr on "It's Cold Outdoors" and "You Took All My Dough." He drips sensuality when riding the John Lee Hooker-like boogie groove of "Will It Be You?" or proffering rough-and-ready come-ons throughout "Sittin' on Daddy's Knee." Frost and Carr are compelling performers by themselves, but having James present is a big plus. The Nashville bluesman gives the material--all Frost songs save the Carr showcase "Owl Head Woman"--a needed jolt of vitality and keeps the frontline steady whenever Frost wavers. Importantly, James sounds comfortable with his elders, and vice versa. --Frank-John Hadley