If Michael’s evocative singing was the only attraction on Michael Allman’s Hard Labor Creek, it would still be worth hearing, but there is a lot more going on than that. Some of the most gifted musicians in Georgia, from young slide guitar phenom Tony Tyler to Motown alumnus and keyboard legend Ike Stubblefield, contribute to the overall sound of this remarkable record. Tyler’s slide and keyboard work are an essential part of the sound of Hard Labor Creek, adding just the right touch without overpowering the song. Stubblefield kicks serious butt here, showing why he is a first-call session player, and his production contibution is one reason this CD sounds so darn good. Soulful backing vocals by Atlanta local favorite Diane Durrett and percussion from Derek Trucks Band drummer Yonrico Scott flesh out the songs. The one and only Col. Bruce Hampton also makes a memorable cameo appearance. While Michael Allman’s Hard Labor Creek stands on its own merits, he isn’t ashamed of his heritage, and there are several references to his famous father. “Laid Back” written by Sonny Tackett, was inspired by Gregg’s classic album of the same name. “If Dreams Were Money” was actually written for Gregg years ago by veteran Boston musician Bruce Marshall.
Still, the spotlight is firmly on Michael, who wrote four of the songs on the CD, and delivers each tune with the kind of thoughtful approach that squeezes the inner meaning out of every word. The lyrics in songs like “Running Alone Again”, “It Ain’t Me” and “Circus Full of Clowns” address universal topics like love and loss in a way that any listener can relate to.
Credits:
Jeff Jones - Acoustic Guitar
Ron Day - Acoustic Guitar
Diane Durrett - Backing Vocals
Laura "Creekette" - Backing Vocals
Peggy Stills - Backing Vocals
Zaib Khan - Backing Vocals
Marty Howard - Bass
Michael Hurwitz - Bass
Tony Tyler - Clavinet
Andy Hill - Drums
Jason McCoy - Drums
Michael Jo Scarberry - Drums
Drew "Down Home" McMillan - Harmonica
Mike Cooley - Keyboards
Ike Stubblefield - Organ B-3
Yonrico Scott - Percussion
Ike Stubblefield - Piano
Tony Tyler - Piano
Ben Farmer - Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar
Jesse Vidal - Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar
James Whited - Saxophone
Ryan Whitehouse - Saxophone
Tony Tyler - Slide Guitar
Jim Whited - Steel Guitar
Michael Allman - Vocals
Tracklist:
01 What's The World Coming To (WTWCT) 03:50
02 If Dreams Were Money 04:28
03 Mary Ann 04:30
04 MNW Intro 00:16
05 Mule Named Whiskey 04:31
06 Laid Back 04:11
07 Circus Full Of Clowns 04:48
08 Nobody To Blame 04:45
09 Running Alone Again 05:05
10 It Ain't Me 05:26
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