CD Reviews

"Strange Love"

Roy Roberts

Ocean Beach Records

If you've never listened to North Carolina-based bluesman Roy Roberts before, you're certainly missing out on one of the smoothest and pleasing vocalist/guitarist around. He has quite a number of recordings that he has released over the years and he hits home every time out. And that definitely includes his latest disc, Strange Love. Filled with classic soul tempo and groove, Roberts can bring about comparisons with the best, from O.V. Wright to Robert Cray.
Strange Love showcases Roberts talents as both a musician and as a song writer. He can lay it down funky as with the opening track "My Love Bone," get down in the alley greasy guitar on "The Next Time" which sounds as if it could've been pulled directly off an Albert King album, jump out of your seat rockin' on "I Can't Wait," or deliver straight ahead Memphis styled soul on a number like "Wait For Me." All songs are originals and super-charged by The Mofo Horns (Rusty Smith and Scott Adair). Perhaps my favorite selection is "A Woman Needs Love." It has that distinct Southern soul feel that brings to mind the finest of Little Milton or Johnny Rawls. Soft vocals with tasty guitar patterns and horn energy that cuts right to the heart.
This album is an absolute must if you're a fan of soulful blues done right. For the life of me I could never figure out why Roy Roberts is not one of the more recognized artists of the blues. A complete master and Strange Love is another winning release that proves that fact.

Total Time: 40:20
My Love Bone / I Truly Love You / Hey Baby / Strange Love / I'm Never Gonna Stop / Wait For Me / A Woman Needs Love / We Still Together / The Next Time / I Can't Wait 

Reviewed by Greg Johnson