Paul Rodgers, who has fronted Free, Bad Company and The Firm, is finally doing a project that maybe closer to his heart than any of the aforementioned. One of the most iconic voices on the planet is finally doing what he has always wanted to do. What is that you may ask? Well, Rodgers having such a strong affinity with blues finally gets to pay homage to what means most to him. The Royal Sessions is a collection of songs that Rodgers tackles and puts his own spin on. These were all recorded at the Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee with a bunch of the original players who played on the standard tracks.
Rodgers voice is well suited to be intertwined into these classic tracks. Especially on the Ann Peebles hit “I Can’t Stand the Rain.” Rodgers soars on “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (to stop now).” His passion is evident and exudes throughout the track. The royal horns also make an impressionable appearance on this track as well. This and other Otis Redding tracks like “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Any Ole Way” and “Dreams To Remember” were done close to the original but Rodgers breathes new life into these and as he does on every other track on the CD.
Rodgers does a completely different rendition on “Walk on By.” This was originally written and composed by Hal David and Burt Bacharach and which Dionne Warwick sang and made famous. The 6 plus minute song is a shining moment for Rodgers on the “Royal Sessions.”
I like Michael Toles’ fluid playing on “It’s Growing.” The Royal Singers give a nice boost to Rodgers on the song “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember.” This maybe the most complete song on the disc as it incorporates the organ and horns into the melody. Rodgers really nails it here. “Shake” is a fun track and you can hear it in Rodgers vocals. “Walk in My Shadow” is the only original offered and the only song that Rodgers didn’t record in the famed Royal Memphis studio, no worries, as it fits right in with the rest of the tracks.
Rodgers is giving back in more ways than one by putting this album out. All proceeds from the sales of the Royal Sessions goes right back into music education based in the city of Memphis. I would love to see Rodgers do club shows and just do these type of songs. Doing these songs live would not only do them justice, but would serve as another feather in the cap for Rodgers and the fans who love and appreciate these classic tunes.
