This review was originally started two months ago when I reviewed blues/soul legend, Curtis Salgado’s Las Vegas show. Since that time, I’ve spoken with Curtis and decided that I’d turn this piece on his new release into a combination review and interview. Before I get started though, at Curtis’ request, I want to make a clarification to my previous Las Vegas show review for anyone that read it and may be curious about Curtis’ childhood Christmas’. Fact is, Curtis did experience what we all consider “normal” Christmas’ – always receiving nice toys and gifts beyond what was previously stated which was, “a stocking that simply contained a harmonica, a tangerine and a couple of walnuts” (as he describes in his shows).
Now on to the review of his latest and what insiders are calling his greatest recording ever. Hats off to Curtis Salgado, they are right, he’s definitely outdone himself once again. Entitled “Clean Getaway”, this is Curtis’ first studio album in nearly four years. Tearing it up with 12 tracks – 6 new original cuts which he either wrote or co-wrote and 6 “cover” tunes, Curtis has never sounded nor composed better musically. His vocals and harmonica playing absolutely shine with strength aplenty.
Produced by Marlon McClain, Tony Braunagel and co-produced by Curtis, this recording features a band of power hitters whom Curtis himself 
coins as “the best in the biz”. Also known in music circles as The Phantom Blues Band, he’s backed by Tony Braunagel on drums, bassist Larry Fulther, and Joe Sublett playing sax, Johnny Lee Schell playing guitar and Mike Finnegan on keyboards on all the tracks. In addition, on a number of tracks he’s got Jon Cleary on piano, Les Lovitt, trumpet, Michito Sanchez adding percussion, and Marlon McClain, Jacob Wolf and Jeff Golub providing additional guitar work.
The entire album, “Clean Getaway”, is a beautifully balanced blend of blues, soul and funky rock, mixed with highlights of Curtis’s sensational singing and brilliant harmonica playing – his unmistakable trademark style. Highlights include the title song, ‘Clean Getaway”, an original co-written by Curtis. A funky, ‘70’s style song, the lyrics describing taking a vacation from the everyday stresses of life – politics, religion, neighbors and the news.
Already a crowd pleaser when it’s performed live, “20 Years Of B.B. King”, is another original that the lyrics are so ingeniously written that while listening Curtis sing that “he’s learned more about the blues in two weeks with you than 20 years of B. B. King”, one doesn’t realize that the words sung are the titles of songs actually done by B.B. King.
Then there is the very bluesy shuffle original, “What’s Up With That”, asking the question, why are we arguing and fighting when we should 
be hugging and kissing? And the driving, rhythmic, “Alone”, written by Tommy Sims, a total Memphis style R&B in which Curtis’ harmonica and Mike Finnegan’s Hammond B3 playing cry with longing for his lover to come home.
Along with other originals, “Drivin’ In The Drivin’ Rain’, another Memphis style tune; the total love song, “My Confessions”, and “Heartache” about a heartbreak he knew was coming from the beginning but was worth every minute, Curtis has put his own spin on several songs that are remakes of some of his longtime favorites. One of these in particular is a first-take perfectly done version of the very challenging, “Let’s Get Married” by Al Green. Also covered amongst the others are vintage Tower of Power and Little Richard tunes.
Curtis is over the top with excitement of his work on this recording and all the creative energy put into it by all the aforementioned players. He says that “this work was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had in the studio – the whole time we were all either laughing or tracking - it was wonderful”.
Curtis also states that he’s “out to perfect his craft and make great music”. Looks and sounds like he’s accomplished just that with this recording. Very much a feast for the ears that I’ll always enjoy listening to.
Release Date: July 8, 2008
Where To Purchase: At all Curtis Salgado shows; Nationwide independent music stores (i.e., Music Millennium in Portland, Oregon); online at www.Shanachie.com and www.Amazon.com; electronically at I-Tunes and E-Music
