By: Brian D. Holland
Click to Download Evan Goodrow's Say It from Amazon
Evan Goodrow, Boston’s own blue-eyed soul and R&B groove man, recently released Say It, his tenth overall release. An ever-growing ability to lay down a soulful melody drenched in absolute emotion is in full bloom on this album. He shows more than ever that he’s a complete performer, a guitarist with solid lead and rhythm chops, a fine vocalist, and a creative songwriter.
Not to mention possessing an incredible knack to entertain. The songs on Say It are perfect examples of just how exciting the band is in a live atmosphere, at presenting a classic Motown and Stax sound mixed with a modern approach. The music’s relaxing, soulful drive is loaded with extremely addictive hooks.
Evan’s funky rhythmic strumming is prominent on the album’s opener, “I Don’t Wanna Know.” The song possesses that lucid and bright R&B resonance in the vein of Jimmy Nolen (James Brown), Charles Pitts (Wilson Pickett, Isaac Hayes), Ernie Isley, and the great Steve Cropper. If you think of those players and their sounds, then you’ll get an idea where Evan is at.
The rhythm section of keyboardist John Cooke (also laying down the solid bass lines) and drummer Phil Antoniades sets the soulful atmosphere in motion. Cooke’s Hammond B3 style is a lot like Booker T. Jones (Booker T. & the MG’s) and Felix Cavaliere (Rascals, Steve Cropper) at times.
Coerced along by that captivating rhythmic groove again, “Middle Street” is another fine example of the trio’s modern-day, soulful style. Evan displays amazing lead chops that match his exceptional rhythm playing. But there are a lot more sides to the musical mind of Evan Goodrow, as in “Let Me” for example In this heartfelt and mellow ballad, he sings emotional lyrics of love gone amiss.
He begins “Help Me Up” with a beautiful blues solo reminiscent of Otis Rush’s tone and style, and then moves into another soulful arrangement. “Don’t Lie To Me” begins with a spacey organ ambiance that invokes a ‘60s sound suggestive of the intro to Joe Cocker’s version of “A Little Help From My Friends.” It soon becomes its own song when the funky and soulful melody starts. Evan’s guitar solo is incredible here again.
In “Singasong,” Evan mellows it down again and exchanges the funky drive for soulful romance, showing that his flair for soul and R&B reaches out in many areas. The lead solo is bluesy again, showing that the scope of his roots runs deep. But having said that, funk is what it’s generally about here.
A funky blues vibe shines throughout “Way Back Home.” The song’s arrangement and instrumental are full and rich. They close the album with “You’re On My Mind.” Again slow and bluesy, it’s highlighted by an extremely passionate guitar solo.
Evan Goodrow has been known around New England for quite some time now as a brilliant artist, both electrically and acoustically. Known for his jazz playing as well, he’s an amazing guitar player who’s truly versatile to many styles. And although he’s been a favorite in the local blues scene for years, he has proven all along that his musical tastes span many areas.
Look for The Evan Goodrow Band to appear at some of the blues, jamband, and Americana festivals in the near future. The music on Say It is a pleasant blend of soul, R&B, blues, and rock. It’s all stirred into a pot of funk, with funk being the main ingredient. The end result is tasteful, modern soul music, brought to you by the Evan Goodrow Band.
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1. I Don’t Wanna Know
2. Middle Street
3. And You’re Gone
4. Let Me
5. Lover
6. What Happens
7. Can’t Wait
8. Regrets
9. Help Me Up
10. Don’t Lie To Me
11. Singasong
12. Way Back Home
13. You’re On My Mind
