Album Review: Legend R.L. Boyce Releases Roll And Tumble
There comes a point when a legend settles into his status, and that freedom is one we all must admire. From Paul McCartney to Tina Turner, there are so many artists that achieved their best, and now they have the freedom to achieve their most creative. In essence, when you achieve music eternity, life can feel like an endless opportunity. R.L. Boyce is a 62 year old legend from Como, Mississippi, and on September 8 he is releasing Roll and Tumble.
When you are a kid, your love is pure, and R.L. Boyce has worked hard to keep his childhood love for music protected from the ups and down of life. A cultural phenomena that has influenced the some of the top acts in the industry to listen to his work is to literally listen to influence. Roll And Tumble feels like a classic blues album; capturing the juke-joint, moonshine fueled, picnic party life of Mississippi of which the entire album makes you feel like you are outside laughing amongst friends and drinking spiked tea. You have the standard family reunion moments when your uncle gets too lit and starts preaching to you “Don’t Worry Your Mind”, or when your dad grabs the microphone and does a mini-sermon in “Child of God”. You even have instances when you are talking to your love weary cousin and he swears he is “Going Away” for to “heal” himself, or the overarching family dance strikes in “R.L.”s Boogie”. Still, the joyous, brimming ambiance a family picnic/ party is brought to life through R.L. Boyce’s guitar.
It is oddly refreshing to hear the old-school blues, and how the guitar was played as a partner to the voice. As Boyce sings in his weathered, tempestuous vocals the guitar strings along; only spewing chords that match Boyce’s feelings. They never override the other unless for the usual riffing solo, in which Boyce lets the guitar hit the spotlight like it his Lady taking a final bow. From tracks “Poor Black Mattie” to “Going Down South”, he lets his LADY perform!, and as she moves you are deeply impressed that this legend does most of his music on the spot. No rehearsals! No jotting down notes or plans! Just let the spirit in, call a few friends, and jam a record out. The simplicity of his magic shows why R.L. Boyce inspires. In a time where complexity and layered processes seem infused in shelling music to masses, Boyce reminds that a genius only needs his mind, his heart, and his instrument. For More Information on R.L. Boyce’s Roll And Tumble Click Here.
