Rick McLemore - Just Let Me Play

 

 

Since the time I listened to George Benson's music, I love the warm sound of Gibson guitars. I am always pleased to discover a guitarist sharing my preferences. Rick McLemore is one of them. Rick performed alongside noted artists such as The Drifters, Phyliss Hyman, Ken Navarro, Miles Jay, Bebe and Cece Winans, Troublefunk, Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers, Pieces of a Dream and gospel artists Helen Baylor and Candi Staton. Rick plays an engaging style. His similarity to George Benson's music is observed by many listeners as one can read on Amazon's website. Fresh and smooth are the most cited attributes.

Rick is a self-made man. He is an arranger, composer and producer. Foremost he is an excellent guitarist. Do You Feel Like I Do showcases his skills as a bass, rhythm and guitar player. While bass and rhythm guitar stay in the background his solo guitar shines brightly. Adrianne McLemore whispers the headline with her smooth vocals.

The title song Just let Me Play is another beautiful gem. Dr. Weldon Hill plays nice accords on keyboards while Rick is soloing, but Weldon has also his solo-time on piano. I love these combinations.

Can't Nothing Get Me Down is a song which awakes memories of good old Philly music. Rick has written all songs of his album, but this song has such a strong likeness to this music, I just feel at home.

Thanks For The Love is another example for his fresh and funky sound. Rick has the right scent for hooking stuff. I would like to just sit down and listening his performance. 

Rick also manages fainting romantic tones. Never Too Late is such a sweet bonbon one should suck slowly.

Moving On is pure funk. This time we can hear more from the bass player Rick McLemore. The bass hooks are inspired by Cedric Hughes.

Forever And One Day is more of this music I cannot get enough. Music of a dreamy summer day driving along the beach. I know this platitude is often used but it hits the point. Rick McLemore's music is comparable to Craig T. Cooper.

Forever Free and Don't Change are melodies increasing my obsession for guitar music. Rick likes to frequently change between chords and single tones.

Take Your Time is a more challenging tune with its quick passages. Rick has no problem to succeed these parts. Dr. Weldon Hill shows his wizardry on keyboards again.

Forever Free Vox Guitar is the short epilogue. 

This album is highly recommendable to friends of good guitar music with an affinity to smooth jazz.