Do It Again

Do It Again

Guitarist Jeff Golub's previous outing, <I>Dangerous Curves</I>, edged away from the R&B format toward a more rock approach. <I>Do It Again</I> revisits the soulful sound that Golub has made his own. The former Rod Stewart sideman has taken a break from composing this time out and chosen a batch of classic covers, displaying the same exquisite taste evidenced in his playing. Having had a hit with the Average White Band's instrumental "Pick Up the Pieces," he returns to the well for "Cut the Cake," and while he's at it, grabs their underappreciated "If I Ever Lose this Heaven." To inform anyone wondering where he garnered his influences, Golub gives us tunes by the masters: James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson. As always, his playing demonstrates the three Ts of all great musicians: the aforementioned taste, as well as in-the-pocket time and distinctive tone. If the record doesn't "rawk," it certainly grooves, and the solo on Eddie Harris's "Cold Duck Time" definitely pushes the boundaries of polite. <I>Do It Again</I> offers a great listen for fans of guitar and/or great soul tunes. <I>--Michael Ross</I>