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Albert Cummings No Regrets Review by Larry Toering This is the first I've heard of Albert Cummings, but I'm glad to have made the connection. Most of these tracks are traditional blues but they contain all kinds of other flavors and a cover of “Mannish Boy” by Bo Diddley thrown in for good blues measure. Some of the flavors include country, Americana and even gospel on this hot piece of property that aims to please. It's a strong release with nothing but first class tunes all over it.The album was produced by Jim Gaines and Cummings is backed by a great band with exquisite female backing vocals from Vickie Adkins and Kimberly Helton. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

Glass House This is a stunning shuffle with an underlying organ groove. It’s a kicking opener featuring a smoking guitar solo that bubbles along with the rhythm perfectly. This is sizzling hot stuff!

500 Miles A traveling song is always great, and what a sweet one this is. It’s a very soulful mid tempo rocker. This is a very contagious tune that you can't get out of your head. There’s a bit more shuffling going on and it's blended in very well. I love the guitar lines on this, too - fantastic. And the vocals come on strong, as well.

Eye To Eye This is a softer more traditional blues, but there is no loss of contemporary feel. Excellent female backing vocals add just the right touch.

Checkered Flag We get more behind the wheel business here with a storming romper with a very strong country feel. You get the feeling there will be no filler by the time this is over.

She's So Tired This has more of that lovely understated organ and hot guitar playing over a slow groovy little backdrop. Once again, there is a country vibe and the vocals come alive and speak volumes for Cummings’ talents.

Your Day Will Come A chunky riff gets this one underway, and it contains big vocals as well, but in a completely different vein with particularly great lyrics. So far this is one of the best tracks on offer. It’s a killer!

Cry Me A River This one goes back into slow motion with smoky blues in the traditional way, but this time it's more of a gospel factor that owns the entire track. The guitar takes a front seat with a clean solo and a nice southern tinge.

Drink Party And Dance Speaking of “southern,” this is exactly that as well, and what a blues party it is!

Foolin Me This has more shuffling about as Cummings goes into Stevie Ray Vaughan mode. Even some Hendrix flavors are offered in the guitar department. It’s a great mid tempo track altogether and once again, amazing stuff indeed.

Where You Belong This is probably the slowest number on the disc, with vocals that don't come in for a while, but the long intro is lovely. It’s another great ballad that I can't see anyone turning down.

Mannish Boy The Bo Diddley cover gets a spotlight on this smoking hot version, and even though it's straight blues, it would please any rock fan, as well. There is just something rollicking about this rendition that easily seals the deal without going too far. Justice is served.

Home Town This is a lighthearted sort of easy listening track with a piano leading the way to close this great set of tunes. It’s sort of a singer/songwriter track with an Americana feel. In fact, this whole album almost borders on the Americana genre.

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