Glenn Patrik’s album is a self-proclaimed synthesis of Chicago and Kansas blues. Overall, Nuthin’ But A Thang puts the spotlight on the keyboard melodies of Rusty Hall on songs like Don’t Call Me Daddy and Last Night. Patrik’s funky guitar licks on Other Side Of Town are reminiscent of the Stories cover of Hot Chocolate’s “Brother Louie.” That ‘70s style rhythm and blues continues on Thang Thang; a sexy Tom Jones shout out with a sax solo from Pat Rizzo.
Patrik draws influences from artists as diverse as Django Rheinhardt and George Clinton. That emphasis on the rhythm of the note almost takes the music of Nuthin’ But A Thang into the realm of jazz on songs like Don’tcha Know, where a great bass solo from Wayne Smith shines out in the mix. Glenn’s cover of Kansas City (originally popularized in 1959 by Wilbert Harrison) lays down a funky, distorted organ sound low into the mix again, accenting the soulful tenor of Patrik’s vocals.
Lyrically you’ve got a theme of the workin’ man blues on songs like The Bossman, 4 p.m. Blues and even One More Day. Patrik’s got some great story style William Bell blues humor at play on songs like The Bossman and Too Blessed to be Depressed.
One More Day sounds like a railroad worker’s spiritual (In his youth, Patrik used to hop trains back in Kansas City’s switching yard). And that same Southern Baptist church feel continues on Friend of Mine with almost a two minute build before the drum breaks into a clean crisp guitar solo.
Label: Shakehouse Records
Myspace: www.myspace.com/glennpatrik
Web site: www.glennpatrik.com
