Bluesmill
GONNA TAKE A LONG TIME
New Moon Music 9923
a few available on Amazon
This is an interesting disc that brings back some memories of the Allman Brothers Band in the early days, when they were arguably at their best. This is not very surprising since Duane and Gregg grew up in the same town as Ray Highsmith, Daytona, Florida. Ray learned his music, like the Allman's, from Floyd Miles, an old time bluesman, that is still playing and singing in the area. Ray toured with Floyd for a good stretch of time as his guitarist. Thus you hear Floyd's strong influence in both the singing and guitar playing of Ray Highsmith. The other half of Bluesmill is Bobby Rance, a songwriter and guitar player who spent a great deal of time in the Austin, Texas area. He wrote, or co-wrote, 6 of the 12 songs on this disc, and contributes some mighty tasty and melodic slide guitar. This disc was recorded with the New Moon Rhythm section, Ed Butler on drums and Ben Palmer on bass, doing their usual stellar job. There is nothing earthshakingly new on this disc, but it is one of the finest examples of classic Southern Rock that I have heard in a very long time. There is the strong foundation in the blues, with the textures and mosaics of rock. Give a listen to IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT to get a good idea of what this group is about. The vocals here sound very like Gregg, and the guitar playing blends Ray and Bobby styles beautifully. This is a guitar-based group and they mix them well and use them to very good advantage. They take advantage of all their assets and blend them into one very listenable disc. There is an excellent mix of tempos and songs so the disc never gets boring or repetitive. It is a great one for those long miles on the road.
Produced by - Randy Friel
Songs, times, and writers
1 I'VE GOT TO USE MY IMAGINATION - 4:32 - G. Goffin, B.J. Goldberg
2 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT - 3:26 - Bobby Rance
3 I DON'T NEED YOU - 4:22 - Bobby Rance, Randy Friel
4 CALL THE DOCTOR - 4:25 - Randy Friel
5 HELLO BABY - 3:12 - traditional
6 GONNA TAKE A LONG TIME - 3:40 - Bobby Rance, Ray Highsmith
7 SIT BACK & RELAX - 5:24 - Randy Friel
8 TAKE A RIDE - 3:03 - A.M. Corbett, Ray Highsmith
9 CALLALISA - 3:51 - Bobby Rance
10 BECAUSE OF YOU - 4:52 - Bobby Rance, Ray Highsmith
11 A DAY DON'T GO BY -3:58 - Randy Friel
12 BLUES FOR BETTY - 1:48 - Bobby Rance
Musicians -
Bobby Rance - guitars
Ray Highsmith - vocals & guitars
Ed Butler - drums
Ben Palmer - bass
Guest Musicians
Randy Friel - piano & organ
Diana Simpson & Debbie Jenkins - background vocals (1 & 6)