Back In 20 by Gary U.S. Bonds

19 Feb

Written by Richard Bourcier
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It’s great to see the return of a vintage rocker. Gary U.S. Bonds arrived on the scene in 1960 with his single, New Orleans and the record peaked at #5 on the Billboard Charts. Gary followed up with Quarter To Three and School Is Out the next year. In 1962 the young singer struck gold with Dear Lady Twist. Bonds faded into the shadows for almost two decades until he formed a friendship with Bruce Springsteen who had long admired Gary’s style. Aided by Springsteen’s production wizardry, the singer generated solid hits with Out of Work, Daddy’s Come Home and This Little Girl Of Mine in 1982.

Here’s Gary Bonds again after another absence of two decades with the aptly titled Back In 20. Accompanied by his regular band, the Roadhouse Rockers, the ole rocker is joined by pals, Bruce Springsteen, Dickey Betts, Southside Johnny and the wonderful Phoebe Snow. Together, they turned out an awesome disk. Back In 20 is a product of M.C. Records, one of the premier blues outfits, and while not a "Blues Album" in the strict sense, this release will please the most discriminating fans. Gary Bonds sounds great and breathes fire on the new disk.

It’s difficult to single out any particular songs on an album like this. Honestly, I can’t find a mediocre track anywhere. It’s great entertainment from an honest and seasoned performer. Add the special guests and a hot, hot, hot band and you have one helluva session. OK, I’ll pick a favorite track. It’s Bitch / Dumb Ass featuring a duet by Bonds and Phoebe Snow and some tasty guitar by Betts and Leimbach.

Back In 20 will hit the shops on June 1, 2004. Get a copy to play at your summer BBQ parties. Play it loud!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Gary U.S. Bonds
CD Title: Back In 20
Genre: Blues
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: M.C. Records
Tracks: Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks; Murder In The First Degree; Take Me Back; She Just Wants To Dance; Fannie Mae; I’ve Got Dreams To Remember; Nothing But Blue; She Chose To Be My Lady; Too Much, Too Little, Too Late; Every Time I Roll The Dice; Don’t Do It Here.
Musicians: Gary U.S. Bonds (vocals); Mark Leimbach (guitar); Jim Wacker (keyboards); Dan Cipriano (saxes); Joey Stann (saxes); Hal B.Selzer (bass); Lance Hyland Stark (drums) plus special guests : Bruce Springsteen (guitar), Dickey Betts (guitar), Southside Johnny (harmonica) and Phoebe Snow (vocals).
Label Website: http://www.mc-records.com
Rating: Five Stars