Ron Sayer Jr.
Album: Better Side
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.ronsayer.co.uk

Having cut his teeth learning the Star Wars theme on a Bontempi organ, the seven-year-old Ron Jr was given his first guitar by Ron Snr and immediately embarked on a lifelong voyage across it six strings. Propelled by his early fascination with Cream's Steppin' Out, the blues loomed large in Ron's explorations to which this album suggests he has added country, funk, rock and jazz.

Classically trained and a former Guitarist of the Year, he's also no slouch on bass and has been playing with Oli Brown for a while which is where you may recognise Ron from.

Anyway, to business. Better Side is a lick-filled jamboree of stylistic turns that will frustrate as many as it impresses. Sometimes awkward - the jolt from the jazz funkisms of Manana to the bland classic rock of Right At the Time is one of the bigger stretches - Better Side never allows the listener to settle, which works both for and against the album.

The take on Etta James' sterling My Mother In Law is particularly pleasing and Sayer makes his presence felt on Tab Benoit's Baby Blue to close out the album on a high note.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk