This is a positively rollicking-good album from a Canadian keyboard master. Bluesy in parts, jazzy at times, full of thundering, driving barrel-house keyboard chops and flair, ‚Roadhouse Revelation‘ is just that, a genuine revelation.
All but two of the eleven tracks here were written by Vest, and the arrangements include Vest on Keyboards, Piano and Organ. Throughout, he is sensuously supported by Gary Kendall on Bass, Mike Fitzpatrick on percussion and Teddy Leonard on guitar, who adds some decidedly tasty, tempting licks to the mix.
Hank Wiliams‘ classic ‚Ramblin‘ Man‘ is given a sound airing, and Vest‘s vocals carry all of the the material covered here with comfort, ease, and bags of oomph when needed.
From the opening chords of ‚Freight Train Rolling – a crackling bit of fine rolling, juke-joint piano – to the closing track, the mellower, ‚Pretty Things For Anne‘, Roadhouse Revelation pulses with feeling and style in equal measure. A very fine bit of work that will have you reaching for the replay button time and time again. (Cordova Bay Records: CBR 1182)
