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Been A Long Time:
Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon are Double Trouble. Their career started in the mid 70s when Tommy Shannon played with Blackbird and Krackerjack with Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1981 Tommy Shannon teamed up with Stevie Ray and Chris Layton to form Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. For the next few years they were king of the hill in the Austin area, playing the bar scene and gaining moderate recognition. They became one of the most sought after bands in Texas, and came to the attention of David Bowie and Jackson Browne - which resulted in a record contract and almost immediate star status. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble were played a large part in the 1980's blues explosion.
Stevie Ray's tragic death left Double Trouble on their own, and they remain two of the most respected musicians today. They have gained world renown for their blues, rock and R & B music. Been A Long Time is their first release since they've been on their own. They're joined by a number of greats from the blues and R & B world to produce an interesting mix of sounds.
Malford Milligan joins Double Trouble on "Cry Sky", along with a great guitar solo by Kenny Wayne Shepherd, to create a sound that's intense but easy. "Turn Towards the Mirror" has Charlie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II on vocals. Doyle's guitar playing takes centre stage to compliment Tommy and Chris on drums on this song that speaks of pain, but ending with hope for the future. "Say One Thing" picks up the beat and features the strong voice of Doyle Bramhall II on vocals and guitar. It's hard to sit still when you hear this one. Susan Tedeschi on vocals with a very funky guitar solo by Kenny Wayne Shepherd make "Rock and Roll" rock and takes you back to the early years when rock and roll ruled.
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"Skyscraper" relies on Malford Milligan's vocals to achieve a very R & B sound. The variety of backup instruments on this one - guitar, piano, 6-string bass, organ, Wurlitzer, bass and drums makes for an interesting blend of sounds. "In the Middle of the Night" gets down with the blues featuring Lou Ann Barton and Jimmie Vaughan on vocals. You can almost feel the smoky haze of the blues club. "She's All Right" keeps it simple with Doyle Bramhall II on vocals and guitar, adding only Tommy and Chris to achieve the easy sound. "Groundhog Day" features Jonny Lang on vocals with Mark Kazanoff on sax and some great guitar playing by Gordie Johnson. Classic blues - she's got his money and she's gone. Susan Tedeschi shows a different style than "Rock and Roll". She keeps it soft and mellow, but maintains the previous intensity when she provides the vocals to "In the Garden". Dr. John says he has to go with how he's feeling on "Baby, There's No One Like You", and it's obvious he's feeling very deeply. This is blues at it's best, and as an added treat there's a guitar sole by Willie Nelson.
Been a Long Time is a great listen. It's not often you get such a variety of sounds and talents on one album, but Double Trouble is the common bond that brings it all together. This album is sure to appeal to a wide audience.
By Marie Leppard, CanEHdian.com 2001
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