WET WILLIE / DIXIE ROCK

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1975 on Capricorn records.
ALBUM INFO:
Produced by: Tom Dowd
Recorded At: Capricorn Sound Studios, Macon Georgia, November 1974
Engineered By: Ovie Sparks & Tony Humphreys, assisted by Richard Schoff
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate - 320 Kbps
TRACK LISTING:
She's My Lady
Ain't He A Mess
Dixie Rock
Poor Judge Of Character
Mama Didn't Raise No Fools
It's Gonna Stop Raining Soon
Jailhouse Moan
He Set Me Free
Leona
Take It To The Music
BAND LINEUP:
Jimmy Hall - vocals, harmonica, saxophone
Jack Hall - bass
John Anthony - keyboards
Ricky Hirsch - guitar
Lewis Ross - drums and percussion
WEBSITE:
http://www.thecutting-edge.net/wet.html
REVIEW:

The follow-up to Wet Willie's breakthrough benchmark release, Keep On Smilin', didn't match its predecessor in sales, and began a commercial decline from which they never recovered. But although there's nothing as catchy as the previous album's title track, Dixie Rock is a worthy successor and another excellent yet underrated entry in the band's catalog. With their picture dominating the back cover, backing singers the Williettes (Ella Avery and Donna Hall) receive featured treatment, and their contribution adds substantial gospel flavor to the group's approach. Avery's duet with frontman Jimmy Hall on "Mama Don't Raise No Fools" is one of the disc's highlights, and the stripped-down version of Albert Brumly's "He Set Me Free" could have come directly off a traditional spiritual album. But "Leona" (a minor hit single), is pure greasy Southern singalong funk and rock that, along with the title cut, slots into Willie's established sound. The R&B-drenched "It's Gonna Stop Rainin' Soon," featuring sublime slide work from Ricky Hirsch and Jimmy Hall's mournful harp along with the deep Delta blues of "Jailhouse Moan," help make this one of the band's most cohesive works, although it takes a few spins for their charms to be appreciated. Those who enjoy Wet Willie's gritty Southern soul will find lots to like on this low-key, predominantly hitless gem, which, as of 2002, had been taken out of print after being digitally remastered and reissued in 1999.
Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide
CONTACT:

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Tom