Sugar Lips reviewed by Rick Davis

Sugar Lips
Murali Coryell
Murali's Music Records
www.muralicoryell.com/
12 Tracks

It's not often that I have the pleasure of hearing an artist live before writing a review. I had no concept of the potential of Murali Coryell's musicianship until I heard Murali live at Big Cities Lounge in Rockford, Illinois. With his red hot guitar style merged with a incredible soulful voice and impeccable writing ability, he had created one chart topping cd in "Sugar Lips", his sixth since 1995. His new cd "Sugar Lips" was currently #5 on The Living Blues Radio Chart"

It seems Murali Coryell was destined to continue the musical legacy established by his father, jazz guitar legend Larry Coryell. He was introduced to music at an early age by meeting music legends like Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Jack Bruce, and Miles Davis just to name a few. His new cd "Sugar Lips" features the all-star lineup of Larry Coryell on guitar, Reese Wynans on keyboards, and Joe Lewis Walker on guitar and Harmonica.

Murali opens with a hard rocking number "Blame It On Me" featuring his father on guitar. This number also features Reese Wynans, Tom Hambridge on drums and background vocals, Steve Mackey on bass, and the strong horn section of Dennis Taylor on saxophone and Quentin Ware on trumpet. Coryell follows with "What You Gonna Do About Me?" with really captures his dynamic guitar style and riveting soulful voice. The next number "Closer To You Baby" shifts to the R&B sound that is accentuated by Murali's versatile guitar style. He really slows things down with the song "Mother's Day" written after the unexpected loss of his mother Julie Coryell. "What Works On You" is great blend of musical talent shared by this all-star cast. The title track "Sugar Lips" will captivate his live audiences nation wide. He reflects on his life with the smooth flowing tune "I Could've Had You". "Still Rockin'" again really shows versatility of Coryell with this rock n' roll great! He continues to display his wide range of abilities with the funky number "Minor Funk" featuring the legendary Joe Louis Walker. Walker is also featured in the next blues song "I Still Do" on both guitar and harmonica. "Music Sets You Free" says it all about the passion of music and it's driving force in all of us. Murali Coryell concludes his musical collection with the spiritual sounding tune "Where Is The Spirit".

I highly recommend "Sugar Lips" and encourage everyone to see Murali live the next time he performs in the area.