Randall Bramblett is generally known as much for his associations as he is for his own body of work. That is largely due to the innate talent that made him a coveted session and touring musician, who primarily wrote and created for others. While he released a couple of solo records in the 70’s, it wasn’t until the late 90’s that he really began to fully focus on his solo career. Bramblett has worked with artists such as Greg Allman, Levon Helm, Traffic, Robbie Robertson, Steve Winwood, Widespread Panic and Gov’t Mule. His songs have also been recorded by Bonnie Raitt including a contribution to her Grammy winning album “Slipstreamâ€. It is frankly amazing that he has time for a solo career.
The framework of his artistry comes from the south. More specifically it is derived from Southern Soul and Blues. Bramblett’s new release “The Bright Spots†is another example of his ability to create songs that are layered in their arrangements. His songs bring different elements and influences together, but these elements are more stratified than mixed. On “The Bright Spots†Bramblett takes the listener to familiar territory, but forges a few new trails along the ride.
The album starts with “Rollâ€, which uses distorted vocals to give it a rich texture.†John the Baptist†accomplishes the same thing using Loops. The album’s most Blues oriented song is “Whatever that isâ€, which he sings with rough and gravel like vocal style. The songs on the rest of the album tend to exhibit Southern Soul across a range of tempo. “Trying to Steal a minute†has the broadest appeal and is evocative of Robbie Robertson. It is also a prime example Bramblett’s ability to use a variety of styles that build on each other.
Over the course of his career, Bramblett’s original core of musician an peer group fans has broadened to a wider audience. “The Bright Spots†will certainly add to his fanbase.
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!