All the King's Men * by Scotty Moore (CD, Aug-1997, Sweetfish Records)

Not a bad effort from Rockabilly - Rock'n'Roll guitar master Scotty Moore, of the legendary trio Elvis, Scotty, and Bill. Of course we're speaking of Elvis Presley and Bill Black. Mr. Presley is possibly the biggest name in popular music in the last hundred years; and Mr. Black later founded the Bill Black Combo. All three men were seminal figures in early Rock music. Scotty was the only survivor of the three at this point in time. DJ Fontana, the great drummer for Elvis' band, is on board too.

As much as I would love to, however, I can't say this is a great CD.... not even close. Still, it has it's charms, and is definitely worth owning if you are a devotee of this style of music like I am. A nice effort.

The first track IS actually pretty great: It's called DEUCE AND A QUARTER and is probably the closest thing here to the old Rockabilly style of which Mr. Moore was and is one of the purest and finest exponents. Jim Weider and Keith Richard (of the Rolling Stones) help Mr. Moore on guitar (>whew<); and you know that means some sweet vintage tone. The song has interesting lyrics and a great loose, offhand feel which is not easy to achieve. The Band (aka Ronnie Hawkins' Hawks; and Bob Dylan's "band") fill out the roster of musicians for this track, along with DJ Fontana. We're talkin' World Class all the way around, folks. Keith shares/trades vocals with the Band's Levon Helm--- a somewhat unusual combination of voices-- but it works well-- Keith's raspy growl contrasting with Levon's soulful, countrified singing. They sound like a couple of old traveling buddies-- or maybe brothers or cousins.

There are some other nice songs on the CD as well, and some which are just ok.

Not essential; but I had to have it !

Worth the price for 'Deuce And A Quarter' alone, in my opinion.

Thanks Scotty !