Label: Alligator
Blues
This 1991 album was Son Seals' sixth for Alligator records, and his first in seven years. And "Living in the Danger Zone" is pretty standart fare for the gruff-voiced guitarist; a solid collection of mostly mid-tempo blues grinds with plenty of Seals' characteristic staccato lead guitar.
About half the tracks are Seals' own compositions, but he also delivers strong renditions of "Tell it to Another Fool", "I Can't Lose the Blues", and Tim Matson's "Frigidaire Woman", as well as the tough, no-nonsense title track.
Some more variation in tempo and style would have been nice, though...this is a perfectly good record, but it lacks the excellence of Seals' best work ("Midnight Son", "Nothing but the Truth"). The material is good, but generally not quite great, and while fans will definitely want to pick up "Living in the Danger Zone", newcomers ought to start with one of the above-mentioned albums, or Seals' fine 1973 debut, "The Son Seals Blues Band".
3 1/2 stars. This one is good, but Son Seals has made great albums.
By Docendo Discimus.
**
I just can't lose the blues, not even to save my soul," Son Seals sings in a voice that simultaneously growls and shouts, transforming despair into a declaration of independence. Midnight Son, released in 1976 on Alligator, confirmed Seals's premier status among this era's bluesmen. Living in the Danger Zone, Seals's first studio album in six years, reunites him with Alligator and delivers a blistering set propelled by Seals's smoldering voice and distorted, stinging guitar, a gut-pounding rhythm section and clever wordplay. The hell-raising blast lets up only on the final, gospel-flavored "My Life," which Seals unfortunately sings in a silky croon.
Backed by his touring band or a combo of Chicago all-stars, Seals unites present and past by merging funk and soul rhythms with down-home grit. And Seals's menacing intensity demonstrates that he is not a man to mess with. Underneath the dance-your-blues-away beat lurks the desperation that inspires all his cutting loose, especially on the ominous "Tell It to Another Fool" and "Danger Zone."
Throughout the album, the fathomless depth of the blues masters Seals absorbed while growing up around his father's Arkansas juke joint meets the reality of black life in contemporary America. On the autobiographical "Bad Axe," Seals avows his dignity and pride: "You can't pick no more cotton/You can't shine no more shoes/You can't even work at a carwash/So you might as well play the blues." Transforming fate into triumph, Living in the Danger Zone stands as Son Seals's affirmation of himself and his art. (RS 615)
By LAURENCE BRAUER.
**
Bay Williams- Bass
Johnny B. Gayden- Bass
Kerman Frazier- Drums
Kevin Tremblay- Guitar (Rhythm), Guitar
Ray Allison- Drums
Red Groetzinge- Flute, Sax (Tenor)
Sidney James Wingfield- Organ, Piano
Son Seals- Guitar, Producer, Vocals
Sugar Blue- Harmonica
**
01. Frigidaire Woman 5:07
02. I Can't Lose The Blues 4:28
03. Woman In Black 3:10
04. Tell It To Another Fool 4:17
05. Ain't That Some Shame 3:38
06. Arkansas Woman 4:30
07. The Danger Zone 5:04
08. Last Four Nickels 4:17
09. My Time Now 6:05
10. Bad Axe 3:13
11. My Life 8:08
**
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