Description
Axe to the Root is an album by the American singer, songwriter, and blues guitarist Will McFarlane, released on Freedom Records in 1998, a division of Malaco, manufactured and distributed by The Malaco Music Group. The album was recorded by Stephen R. Melton and Steve Lowery with Will McFarlane and Melton producing. Mixed by Stephen R. Melton. All songs written by Will McFarlane except the two trad-songs “Lay My Burden Down” and “Amazing Grace”, arranged by McFarlane.
Guitarist Will McFarlane makes a solo bow on Axe to the Root. His variety of blues seems to come equally from some Southern and Chicago blues traditions, meaning one can get behind the snappy horn charts and organ riffs married to McFarlane’s six-string prowess. Darrell Mansfield, Glenn Kaiser and Larry Howard have taken similar approaches to blues, but McFarlane takes it to even wider ends.
Sermonettes in songs like the title tune and «A Little a Lot» display Mississippi/Chi-town roots best, but McFarlane goes down other avenues on the same wheels. «Be There in That Number» reveals an Afro-Latino sensibility a la Carlos Santana. «I am Listening» (an adult soul ballad that softly screams “radio hit!”) tells a story of a man trying to apologize to a loved one whom he has neglected in communication. «Back in the Circle (Blues for the Prodigal)» best displays McFarlane’s jamming at its most lowdown with some funky flute. Two tunes, McFarlane’s adaptation of the old spiritual «Lay My Burden Down» and the album closing «Amazing Grace», dig deep roots.
Topping everything off is McFarlane’s voice. Think of a blend between an Americanized Eric Clapton and the sultry baritone of an old soulster like Luther Ingram. Count it as one more element that makes Axe to the Root a fine solo debut from a seasoned player and sideman. [Jamie Lee Rake, CCM, March 1999]
You have heard Will McFarlane’s guitar work before, whether or not his name rings a bell. His career has seen him working with artists like Bonnie Raitt, The Pointer Sisters and Jackson Browne and he currently plays as part of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Stylistically, this CD is somewhere along the lines of blues rock/pop with a bit of country. There are strong nods to Gary Moore, Bonnie Raitt (surprise, surprise!) and possibly Michael Bolton. There is great playing from the horns section (from Muscle Shoals), and there are guest appearances from ex-Outlaws bassist Rick Cua and backing vocals from Lenny LeBlanc. Lyrically, all the songs are inspired from Scripture passages which are listed, and Will has a way of framing important spiritual truths in a light lyrical style – e.g., “If you’re faithful with a little, God can make a little a lot.” The best track is «Back In The Circle (Blues For The Prodigal)» – a simple song with a soulful feel that sounds like a “classic”. Maybe it’s just me, but this album did not leave me particularly satisfied as it sounded a little contrived. Perhaps it’s because Will doesn’t have the angst of someone like Gary Moore! [Matthew Cordle, Cross Rhythms, August 2000]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/axe-to-the-root/98019997)
CD tracklist:
01. Axe To The Root
02. This New Love
03. You’re Gonna Need The Lord
04. A Little A Lot
05. I Am Listening
06. Start Right Now
07. Be There In That Number
08. Back In The Circle
09. Lay My Burden Down
10. I Know
11. Amazing Grace
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Freedom Records.
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