ERIC GALES
Now recording for a label associated with the Hendrix family, Gales first gained recognition a decade ago as a fleet-fingered solo artist and as the spark plug for the Gales Brothers. He's always had technique to spare, and his playing readily reflects many of the same blues, rock and funk influences that shaped Hendrix's legacy. He's at his best here, though, when he doesn't sound as if he's trying too hard to update Hendrix's sound or trying even harder to advance his own rep as Memphis-bred guitar-slinger.
Produced (and sometimes overproduced) by Geza X, whose credits include work with Black Flag and the Dead Kennedys, "That's What I Am" often radiates more flash than soul. But when Gales manages to channel his affection for Hendrix in imaginative ways (on "Down Low") or conjures neo-psychedelic grooves (on "She Shines"), his promise is unmistakable.
"Make Room for the Paying Customer," the new CD by multiple Wammie-winner Linwood Taylor, is a far more modest and rootsy release. The disc offers a mix of familiar refrains, including Sonny Boy Williamson's "Good Morning Little School Girl" and Willie Dixon's "Same Thing"), and original material frequently laced with Taylor's Albert King-inspired guitar licks. The combination of Taylor's unforced vocals and his band's unfussy rhythmic support also contribute to the CD's road-tested appeal.
-- Mike Joyce
Both appearing at the State Theater on Saturday. * To hear a free Sound Bite from Eric Gales, call Post-Haste at 202/334-9000 and press 8104. For a free Sound Bite from Linwood Taylor Band, press 8105. (Prince William residents, call 690-4110.)
Linwood Taylor's new CD is laid-back and rootsy.