Latest releases reviewed

SAM MOORE
Overnight Sensation
Rhino
****

There's not too many people who make their debut solo album aged 66. But then, Sam Moore isn't just anybody. He's one half of the legendary soul duo Sam and Dave. Moore recorded his first solo album after breaking up with Dave in the early 1970s. It never saw the light of day, so this luminous, gloriously old-fashioned collection is effectively his first. And, making up for lost time, Moore has a guest list that is almost embarrassing. Bruce Springsteen harks back to his New Jersey soul roots, while the likes of Stevie Winwood, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting, Fantasia, Jools Holland and Travis Tritt make the same journey with equal passion. Winwood in particular crackles on a stunning duet with Moore, as does Bekka Bramlett, daughter of fellow white soul greats Delaney and Bonnie. Produced by Randy Jackson, this is much more than a wobble down memory lane. Sam Moore has waited a long time for his chance, and he seizes it with full voice. www.sammoore.net

WAYNE HANCOCK
Tulsa
Bloodshot Records
****

Listening to Tulsa, Wayne "the Train" Hancock's affectionate tribute to western swing hero Bob Wills, one can't help but get the feeling that there is more than a touch of the peripatetic piss-artist to this Texan 40-something keeper of the flame for country music, 1950s style. Hancock's either hitting the highways, the bars or occasionally both. This grainy, sepia-toned mood is helped by the quality of the 14 self-penned tracks and the easy swinging rhythms of his studio band, with electric and steel guitars trading solos with effortless grace. There are ropey moments; Hancock's plaintive voice struggles with the pitch and swing of some tracks, notably I Don't Care Anymore, but overall this is an impressive performance of honky tonk ballads and swinging rockabilly - Americana at its unpretentious best.

www.waynehancock.com