Wild again

"That's Proven Ones in the sense of proven track record - drummer Jimi Bott and guitarist Kid Ramos are both former Fabulous Thunderbirds, and other band members have a host of awards and other credits to their name. And on this 10-track outing, half and half originals and covers, they live up to their credentials big time ... The cream of the crop is the penultimate track, a cover of Fenton Robinson's 1967 slow blues Loan Me A Dime. Over 11 minutes of stunning intensity, washes of sombre organ underpin guitar from Ramos that shifts from fluidity to attack, while Templeton adds to the dynamics with emotional, soulful vocals".

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"The Proven Ones have over 100 years of combined experience. Their collective knowledge is what makes them seem like they could keep recording forever. This band plays the music we crave and it just gets better with each listening".

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"[The covers] are all recognisably rooted in the blues, and sit very comfortably with the more familiar Chicago Blues style numbers ... All are executed with precision, and with a few pleasant surprises throughout, especially on guitar and harmonica, but without spoiling the overall soulful vibe. They add a great deal to the pleasure of listening as they evoke an era and style of some great Rhythm & Blues that has been forgotten by many as it was eventually swamped by the big production soul and funk age. I recommend this album to anyone who has enjoyed John Primer's previous albums as it continues to display his expert Chicago Blues side and adds a little more I think most of you will enjoy. If you haven't heard him before then this is a great starter. And yes, despite the "Soul" in the title it is also a damn good blues album".

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