Michael Burks
' third release on
Alligator Records
,
Iron Man
, is as close to being a live album as you can get from a studio performance. This could be attributed to
Burks
using his seasoned road band on this date instead of the Memphis studio musicians used previously on
Make It Rain
and
I Smell Smoke
. Alongside
' searing Flying V strut,
Wayne Sharp
's greasy Hammond B-3 dominates this set, reveling in soul and rock influences, including a cover version of
Free
's
"Fire and Water,"
a definite nod to the blues-rock audience
has gained over his 30-plus years on the road. While
is an overall inspired modern electric blues disc, a few missteps hamper the session.
"Ashes in My Ashtray,"
penned by Chicago bluesman
Jimmy Johnson
, would have made a better instrumental in this particular case, as the lyrics get in the way of an intense
guitar performance.
"Don't Waste My Time"
is a pleasant enough midtempo track, but falls by the wayside compared to the gritty blues of
"Changed Man"
"Love Disease."
As on previous releases,
' explosive guitar solos are the most notable aspect to this enthusiastic, if somewhat predictable, outing. ~ Al Campbell