Foster, George: Divine Soul Ride

Another new guitar slinger from the Grooveyard stable, George Foster delivers his Divine Soul Ride debut with a sound that takes us deep into Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix and Robin Trower territory. Unusually in this genre this man of the six string isn’t the voice behind the mic, that honour ably snapped up by the equally unknown Jarrett Williams, a singer who shows a real understanding of what it takes to propel this heartfelt, but fiery fare to its rightful place. With John Hart handling bass duties, it’s actually the drummer in this blues dripping hard rock outfit that is possibly the best known name in the collective. Gary Ferguson already hugely respected for his work with the likes of Glenn Hughes, Gary Moore, Eddie Money and more. And that steady pair of hands behind the kit doesn’t go to waste, the driving drum force given an authentic, energetic set of songs to bring to life.

Unusually and quite pleasingly for this style, Foster avoids the more expected cover cliches and instead reveals a set of songs that came from his own hands. With the sound of an engine kicking into life the album bursts out of the gates at full pelt, “Dancin’ With The Devil� allowing Foster and Williams to click into place with style and panache. The former lays it down thick and thorough; the authority in this man’s six-string work immediately snagging the attention, while the solo that hypnotises you mid-song is a strong show of intent. Williams matches that enthusiasm, a supremely controlled delivery never shackled by the classy edge that underpins it, instead being allowed to roam free without ever abusing that liberty.

If you’re looking for a groover that burrows in deep, then it’s time to admit “I Did My Time�, while if it’s a more 60s infused haze and shimmer you desire, the Hendrix like “Soul Ride� is where you should be headed. Along the way Ferguson and Hart lock in so tight you’d swear they were joined at the hip, the Aerosmith meets Free of “Hard Times� thriving on being powered by a rhythm section that never feel forced or too full on. One or two surprises along the way wouldn’t go amiss, the feel that Foster is sometimes nodding a little too reverentially at the men who inspire him a little difficult to shake off as the otherwise excellent “Maharishi Says … Yer Ship� stays close to the Hendrix meets Trower basis from which it’s built. But when the results are this convincing it’s hardly a make or break complaint.

Hats off to the Grooveyard, the label seemingly able to unearth a long line of six string talent that can convert their fret skills into exciting albums with enviable ease. The latest is George Foster and doubtless we’ll be hearing much more from him in the times to come.

Track Listing
1. DANCIN' WITH THE DEVIL

2. I DID MY TIME

3. MY CHEATIN' WAYS

4. BRAND NEW DANCER

5. EVANGELINE

6. SECRETS

7. SHOT DOWN

8. HARD TIMES

9. SOUL RIDE

10. MAHARISHI SAYS...YER SHIP

11. THE FIELDS OF ABERDARE

Added: January 19th 2019
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Divine Soul Ride @ The Grooveyard
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Language: english

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