Cascade Blues Music Reviews Soul Acivated Curtis Salgado Music Review Index

Music Review Reprint from the
April, 2001 BluesNotes
By Greg Johnson

• Old Enough To Know Better

• I'd Rather Be Blind

• Portable Man

• Summertime Life

• The Harder They Come

• I Sleep With The TV On

• Lip Whippin'

• Funny Man

• Every Time You Go Away

• Hip Hip Baby

• More Love, Less Attitude

    Curtis Salgado has long been the Pacific Northwest's ultimate definition of the term "Blue-Eyed Soul". With a voice deeply rooted in the sounds of Gospel and Memphis R&B, Salgado's second release for the Shanachie label continues to progress on an uphill climb that places him on the same stanchion as his mentors, Otis Redding, O.V Wright and Johnnie Taylor.  "Soul Activated" is a fitting title for this CD, because, there is perhaps nothing more powerful in the Salgado arsenal than the energy he releases when pouring his heart out on a soulful Blues number.

    This release adds an extra punch behind his vocalizations by utilizing perhaps the greatest of all R&B sidemen, The Memphis Horns. The duet of Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love blowing that brass can produce luster from an artist with only an inkling of Salgado's talent. But, when combined with somebody of Curtis' vocal depth, it can only propel them into undreamed heights.

    Other guests making their presence felt include Jimmie Vaughan's wizardry on the guitar, which helps push three of the most raucous tracks on the CD stretch into perfection, and Lou Ann Barton, the dynamic Texas songstress belting a duet with Salgado on "Hip Hip Baby". Barton's sole effort on the recording only leaves you breathless and wishing for more of this combination. Throw in Salgado's regular prime-time band and D. K. Stewart sitting in on the keys, and the result is another winning release for Portland's best-known warbler, for sure. It's an interesting mix of R&B, Pop, Blues, even Reggae, highlighted by the jumping, "Old Enough To Know Better", a cover of Hall & Oates ' `80s hit, "Everytime You Go Away" (which is a number that matches Salgado's style to a tee) and a fresh new rendition of "More Love, Less Attitude", (first heard on his 1991 release "Curtis Salgado & The Stilettos").

    For those seeking Curtis striking at true Blues, tune into "Lip Whippin"' showcasing his talent on the harmonica, something sadly overlooked on most of his CDs. Anytime that Curtis Salgado has a new album, it's time for celebration in the Northwest; and it's time to wake up the rent of the country, too.

© 2001 Cascade Blues Association