Инструменталы, как всегда, просто великолепны, а вот из вокальных треков меня не сильно затронули первый и пятый (с госпел-хором), хотя и в них есть прекрасные инструментальные куски. Но поскольку продолжительность диска почти 80 минут, даже после удаления этих двух треков остается более часа прекрасной музыки. 

Музыканты группы играют прекрасно, им помогают на отдельных треках Ким Уилсон (гармоника и вокал), Дэйв Максвелл (фортепиано) и ветеран-Бродкастер Род Кэри (бас). Гитара Ронни по-прежнему неподражаема, а соло техничны и оригинальны. Завершающая диск «Пастораль» просто великолепна! Продюсировал альбом сам Ронни.
Очень хороший альбом от великого музыканта и четвертое место в блюзовом топе альбомов Биллборда.

Review by Grahm Clarke,Blues Bytes
Ronnie Earl is not your typical bluesman these days. He doesn’t tour, doesn’tappear on TV, doesn’t play festivals, rarely gives interviews, and is notinterested in jumping through any of the hoops required to be a “star.”Recently sidelined by health problems, Earl was given the opportunity to sit backand re-evaluate his life, opting to simplify things. Now his primary focus ison the three “F’s:” family, friends, and faith. He sees his music as a means to“bring healing and love to the people who listen to it,” as well as anopportunity to forge a deeper relationship with God.

Earl’s previous release,Hope Radio (available on CD and DVD), was a magnificent effort that wouldseemingly be tough to improve on. However, his new release, Living in the Light(Stony Plain) is as powerful a release as its predecessor, fueled by Earl’sincredibly creative guitar work as well as stellar work from his band, theBroadcasters (Dave Limina – Hammond B3 and piano, Jim Mouradian – bass, andLorne Entress – drums), along with some contributions from a few friends.

Those friends includethe Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman, Kim Wilson, who plays harmonica and singson three tracks: a gentle remake of Robert Jr. Lockwood’s “Take A Little WalkWith Me,” “Child of a Survivor,” a song penned by Earl about the Holocaust(Earl’s parents were survivors), and “Donna Lee,” a tribute to Earl’s wife. NewEngland blues singer Dave Keller contributes two tracks: the funky openingtrack, “Love Love Love,” and a soaring version of Bob Dylan’s gospel tune,“What Can I Do For You,” which also features members of the choir from Earl’sBaptist Church. Keyboard wiz Dave Maxwell also guests on two tracks, Rod Jamesplays bass on one track, and Jason James adds second guitar on one track as well. 

Living in the Light iseasily Earl’s most personal album, based on the song selection and the passionand sincerity he brings to each guitar solo. The seven instrumental tracks arediverse and spectacular, featuring Earl’s highly distinctive and originalplaying as well as his interplay with Limina’s B3 and piano. What has amazed meabout Earl’s albums is the fact that the most recent ones have featured nearlyeighty minutes of guitar work and there’s never a dull moment. You’re on theedge of your seat waiting for his next solo. 

Living in the Light willplease not only fans of blues and jazz guitar, but music fans in general. This is real soul music of the finest kind.

 EAC Log

Line-Up:
Ronnie Earl – Guitar
Dave Limina – Hammond B3 & Piano
Jim Mouradian – Bass
Lorne Entress – Drums
Produced by Ronnie Earl
Executive Producer — Holger Petersen

with guests
Kim Wilson Harmonica & vocals on tracks 3, 8, 11
Dave Keller Vocals on tracks 1, 5
Dave Maxwell Piano on tracks 3, 8
Rod Carey Bass on track 8
Jason James Second guitar on track 4