Barrence Whitfield and the Savages
Dig Thy Savage Soul
Bloodshot Records
Street: 08.13
Barrence Whitfield & the Savages = Chuck Berry + Bo Diddley
Even if you’ve never heard of Boston musician Barrence Whitfield, as soon as the opening track “The Corner Man” begins, you know he’s a seasoned veteran of the blues and rock and roll. Whitfield adds his powerful, raspy voice to his long-time backing band, The Savages, creating a fiery combination. This is demonstrated nicely on the tune “Daddy’s Gone To Bed,” as the band is firing on all cylinders while Whitfield howls the line, “Don’t worry, daddy’s gone to bed.” Having played together since the ’80s, Whitfield and the band’s sound on every song is tight and crisp, and they simply put on a clinic on Dig Thy Savage Soul. –Jory Carroll