by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters
"New York born Blues Guitarist/Composer Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, his Band for 25 years, celebrated this milestone by releasing ‘Just for today’, their 7th album, all of which are remarkable & memorable, for Canadian label, Stony Plain Records.
The album, recorded live at three venues in Massachusetts, is a varied mix of Blues, Soul & Gospel instrumentals, highlighting Ronnie’s passionate guitar style, with vocalist Diane Blue sitting in on ‘I’d rather go Blind’. Detroit Guitarist Nicholas Tabarias also guests on ‘Rush hour’ and ‘Jukin’. Nine of the 13 tracks are originals, written or co-written by Earl. All tracks are winners, with Ronnie’s searing, deeply felt guitar solos sitting perfectly with The Broadcasters, who share the spotlight on every track. Ronnie pays homage to two great fallen blues men with ‘Blues for Hubert Sumlin’ and ‘Robert Nighthawk Stomp’. Check out David Limina’s Piano showcase on ‘Vernice’s Boogie’.
Ronnie, born Ronald Horvath, changed his name to Earl (as a tribute to blues slide Guitarist Earl Hooker) while working with Muddy Waters who couldn’t remember his last name, in 1979. Ronnie worked with the 10 piece ensemble group, Roomful of Blues, for 9 years until forming The Broadcasters, named after the first Fender guitar, originally branded The Broadcaster, in 1988, becoming the first completely all instrumental blues groups.
The release of ‘Just for today‘ highlights why Ronnie Earl is a two-time Blues Award winner as Guitarist of the year, and is one of the most acclaimed Guitarists of our time.
Ronnie Earl’s final words in ‘Just for today’ sleeve notes are: “Always carry hope and an open heart in your life. Don’t quit before the miracle happens”.
by Helen Jennings - Roots of Rhythm
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