Preston Shannon: All in Time

For a jolt of classic Stax-Volt, check out the latest by Preston Shannon ,All in Time (Bullseye Blues 11661-9595-2; 46:24). The Memphis homeboy lends his husky, gospel-flavored voice to a set of soulful, horn-driven r&b numbers like “Just Between Me and My Woman” and “Are You in the Mood?,” both penned by Memphis legend, producer Willie Mitchell. A certain quintessentially Southern appeal – that same quality that Z.Z. Hill and Little Milton have built careers on – comes across on “Your Good Thang Just Broke Bad,” and “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha.” Preston the guitarist lets the Albert King influence seep all over the floor on the slow blues “Welfare Woman,” the minor key lament “Jail of Love” and the stinging instrumental shuffle closer, “Old Beer Good Time,” reminiscent of Albert’s “Cold Women With Warm Hearts.” And just for commercial kicks he goes to church on Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Old school and proud of it.

Originally Published May 1, 1999