Boz Scaggs: Come on Home

One white, former rocker who doesn’t need to apologize for his singing is Boz Scaggs. On Come On Home (Virgin 7243 8 42984 2 5; 59:42), Boz croons with grace, soul and all-knowing cool on a collection of gospel, r&b and blues-flavored numbers. There are touches of Bobby Blue Bland, Claude Jeter of the Swan Silvertones and Al Green here as well as faithful renditions of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Early In The Morning,” T-Bone Walker’s “T-Bone Shuffle” and Jimmy Reed’s “Found Love.” Scaggs originals like “Don’t Cry No More” and “Sick And Tired” carry a convincing New Orleans feel while the soulful title track and the moving ballad “Picture Of A Broken Heart” summon up vintage Stax/Volt sessions. Boz turns in a spirited churchified number in “Goodnight Louise” and deals in deep blues on “After Hours.” The horns sound great and the overall vibe feels right throughout this very fine album.

Originally Published September 1, 1997