KEY POINTS:
Rating: * * * *
Sounding as if he grew up at a Wilson Pickett concert, had James Brown as a babysitter and was schooled by Solomon Burke, this 24-year-old raw-throated blues and soul shouter from Boston is a real find.
The fact he is buttoned-down white guy with a sensible law-office haircut only makes him even more remarkable.
Reed certainly did his homework in 60s-grounded style, but also got some firsthand experience: at 18 he left home and went to Clarksdale, the home of the blues. He played in juke-joint blues and soul bands there, then made his way to Chicago where he sang in clubs and churches.
Inspired by this amalgam of blues, soul and gospel, he went back to Boston and formed a band to celebrate this inspirational music which has its heart in Motown and Stax soul.
And everywhere on this exciting debut he conjures up the old spirits, but also brings much of himself to bear on these (mostly) original songs.
He reaches to the aching sound of Al Green on It's Easier but is equally at home conjuring up a sweaty soul review style on Stake Your Claim.
And he gets down 'n' funky on The Satisfier, one of those James Brown-styled boasts which brings a smile to your face.
In fact, if you aren't smiling and moving to this one, you might want to check your pulse.
Graham Reid
