"Partners In The Blues," Payne-Edmonson Band

Cascade Blues Music Reviews

The Jackie Payne-Steve Edmonson Band,

Partners In The Blues

I first received a copy of this fantastic recording directly from guitarist Steve Edmonson more than a year ago. It followed quickly on the heels of the Soulful Blues album which featured vocalist Jackie Payne, alongside guitar player Kenny "Blue" Ray, that Steve had produced. That release was stunning in its own right and focused highly on the extraordinary talents of Jackie Payne, perhaps one of the most overlooked artists on the West Coast. Let's face it, you do not last for more than a decade in the legendary Johnny Otis Band unless you've got your act together. It only surprises me that nobody else jumped on Payne's resources beforehand.

Under the working title of Ballads & Blues, Edmonson shopped the newer album around for some time before Portland's Burnside Records jumped on the opportunity to market it. Thank God they did, because the musicianship is stellar and once again, Jackie Payne will leave you breathless with some of the most soulful crooning ever to be placed on disc. Retitled as Partners In The Blues, Edmonson's and Payne's collaboration is a jewel just waiting to be discovered and one listen should have anybody immediately hooked on this duo.
To put this album together, Edmonson amassed many of his friends from the Bay Area to get involved, including drummer June Core, sax player Terry Hanck and guitar master Rusty Zinn, among many more. No musical slouch himself, Steve Edmonson brought to the table a resume with some recognition himself: the son of a well-known Folk musician (Travis Edmonson); performing with the likes of James Cotton, Luther Tucker, Van Morrison, Syl Johnson, Maria Muldaur and Sir Mack Rice; as well as being a member of The Dynatones for several years. It is Steve's incredibly tasty guitar phrasings that complement Payne's voice to perfection throughout the album.

And speaking of Jackie Payne's vocals, it is the sound of Blues Heaven itself. He easily stands alongside the very best-known artists in the business; be it Little Milton, Bobby Bland, Mighty Sam McLain, whomever. Listen to the cover of Aaron Neville's classic, "Tell It Like It Is" if you need any further proof. And every selection on this CD is superb, with my own personal favorites including, "I'm Doing My Own Thing," "Think Twice Before You Speak" and "My Money Ain't Long Enough."

Give this exceptional album a chance and you'll certainly fall in love with Jackie Payne's vocals all over again if you haven't heard him in some time. Or, he may just become a new favorite for those who are unfamiliar with him. Either way, this is one recording that should see a healthy amount of spinning time on radio playlists, as well as on personal players. It still stands as one of my favorites since that first listen well over a year ago. I'm elated that it's finally available for everyone else to share. Music like this deserves to be heard!