Plays More Blues, Ballads & Favorites

iTunes Review

Much like his previous hit, Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites, More continues the former Fabulous Thunderbirds’ leader’s live-in-the-studio, back-to-mono approach. Vaughan’s taste is eclectic, usually mining the works of obscure artists or obscure works by popular artists. By doing so, Vaughan is both a loyal practitioner of blues, country, soul and early rock ‘n’ roll, and a devoted archeologist/ historian. Again, Lou Ann Barton adds her voice to four cuts, including the playful “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” and the lively bonus track “Shake a Hand.” Her presence turns up the heat, as for most of the performances Vaughan is a decidedly cool customer. “Greenbacks” kicks up the tempo and allows saxophonists ex- Roomful of Blues members Doug James and Greg Piccolo to shine and “I Ain’t Gonna Do It No More” drives with speed, but often, this is an album of slow determination. The human struggle is expressed through the aching trudge featured on “Teardrop Blues,” “Cried Like a Baby,” “The Rains Came,” where Vaughan keeps his solos to an economical lengths but as intense and pained as his vocals.