Santo Spirito Blues

Smokey voiced, ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ singin’ dad-rock legend Chris Rea re-emerges from his short-lived retirement and returns to his roots this fortnight with his latest record Santo Spirito Blues. It’s a release that’ll definitely leave many of his fans in no doubt that he can still craft a solid song or three. While the likes of ‘Rock And Roll Tonight’ and ‘Electric Guitar’ are a little pedestrian to these ears, the bassy boogie-woogie of ‘Never Tie Me Down’ and the cheeky ‘Dance With Me All Night Long’ prove that the musician still has some tricks up his sleeve. His guitar-work, as expected, is first class throughout all 13 tracks.