CD REVIEW: LLOYD SPIEGEL – This Time Tomorrow

Shane | 27 July 2017 | Reply

CD REVIEW: LLOYD SPIEGEL – This Time Tomorrow
Only Blues Music
3 July, 2017
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
9/10

Lloyd Spiegel’s ninth studio album – his first since 2010’s Tangled Brew – is arguably his best effort yet, and that’s really saying something. Full of slick, laid back, (mostly) acoustic blues, This Time Tomorrow is a superb collection that shows Spiegel to be peerless in his field.

Often echoing the laconic feel of Robert Cray or the finesse of Eric Clapton, Spiegel’s latest reflects his touring travels in recent years – travels which took him through Europe, Central and North America, as well as around his native Australia several times.

What sets Spiegel apart is more than just a mastery of his instrument – it’s the easy, natural feel he imbues his songwriting and playing with, and the way his honeyed vocals sound like an old friend.

From the playful jazzy blues of All The Cats Are Grey, through the Euroblues of the title track and Stranger Things, and Lisa Sutton’s sleazy trombone over the New Orleans slink and skank of Cure My Soul, Spiegel’s foundation is the blues, but all bets are off after that. Even a simple shuffle like Kansas City Katy is transformed into something truly special with a slightly syncopated rhythm and some great lyrics.