rick fowler

Noted Athens Georgia musician Rick Fowler is busy recording a new blues-rock CD, tentatively titled Back on My Good Foot. Early reviews of the tracks suggest that this CD has all of the elements of a classic British Blues record rather than a Georgia based release. Loaded with sparring between Fowler's guitar and organist Tim White's Hammond B3, and filled with cool grooves, the record captures all of the musicians' deepest influences. Fowler states that this record will fulfill a lifetime goal of his - "to do a blues-rock record with everyone on the same page".

The CD is well underway with a release date slated for early in 2008 on Jammates Records. The project started to take shape when Rick reconnected with old friend and fellow musician Pat Patten [Jammates Managing Partner]. During their long reunion lunch, Fowler mentioned that he'd love to put together a Blues record. Observing the chemistry between the two, Coe Cloud [Jammates Marketing Manager] knew it wouldn't be long before Rick would be joining the Jammates artist roster. "It was like they hadn't been apart for twenty-five years. They were completing each others sentences, and had a common vision about how music is made and the music industry today. And, it hasn't stopped - the music Rick is recording to tape has magic in it."

"I'm very lucky." says Fowler, "Some of my favorite musicians are joining me on this effort -- Mike Steele (bass), Tim White (Hammond B3 organ), Gerry Hansen (drums), and Jonathan Dorsey (guitar). And, my brother Russ [Fowler] will be mixing it. We also have some special guest artists appearing. The team at Jammates has been great to work with. They've rolled their sleeves up and are working side-by-side with us. It is a pleasure to finally work with a record company that is comprised of musicians and artists who actually understand and appreciate music. Working with Jammates is like working with other band members in order to achieve the common goal of creating a great record. It is not at all the usual battle between those who love music and those who only care about marketing. Consequently, I think we'll all benefit from a powerfully sincere, absolutely real record that will stand up well for years."

Most of the songs are written or co-written by Fowler; and included will be a long-form jamband cover of Savoy Brown's "Hellbound Train". According to Patten, Jammates is "all about capturing the musical vibe -- as live as possible, even when tracking in the studio. Rick has star persona on stage, he's a solid songwriter, and it's like he channels guitar parts - I don't know where they come from, but he delivers great stuff time and time again. Although Rick is known primarily as a guitar player, I think Blues lovers will respond to what he offers up vocally on this project."
- Banner

“It won’t take long for Fowler’s third solo release to move you. His songs are sharply written bursts of swampy blues that never overstay their welcomes while leaving space for sincere talk-sung vocals and liquid-metal guitar lines.

Fowler is a well-established figure in his hometown of Athens, Georgia, gigging with dozens of talented neighbors, including ex-R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry, who contributes to one track here, and members of Randall Bramblett’s band, who play on several cuts. There’s a sense of restraint, unusual for blues-rockers, that brings a noir-soaked atmosphere to songs such as the dark, brooding “Feel So Much Better” and, especially, a remarkable 10-minute cover of Savoy Brown’s “Hellbound Train” that rides an ominous groove.

Songwriting is generally where adherents to this cluttered genre fail. But with cutting-edge lyrics on songs such as “Infected With the Blues” and “Preacher” (the latter a scathing indictment of clergymen who use funerals to push their religious agendas), Fowler brings maturity and intelligence to his craft. “Running From the Truth” comments on the political climate but still finds room for a scorching guitar solo. The disc’s sound is defined, clean, and muscular without being simply loud; every instrument blends into the mix, resulting in an aggressive but never overwhelming vibe best illustrated by the walking bass line of “Road to Nowhere.”

It might have taken some time for Fowler to get back on his good foot, but judging by this release, it was worth the wait.”
- Blues Revue Magazine

RICK FOWLER/Back on My Good Foot: Classic white boy blues guitarist that’s happy to be a well regarded journeyman in search of the ultimate riff. The kind of cat that knows his stuff, doesn’t make a big deal out of it and lets the good times roll. Fun stuff for blues guitar fans ready to let it rock.

http://www.midwestrecord.com/2008/04/02/040208/ - Midwest Record: Reviews, Entertainment News, and Views

Vintage Guitar Magazine includes a review of Rick Fowler's Back On My Good Foot in the new June 2008 issue:

"With so many blues guitarists aping the Vaughns, it's refreshing to hear somebody wear his British blues influences on his sleeve."

"Fowler achieving a fat sound that would do Kim Simmonds proud."

"Road to Nowhere and the Strat-y Walk Softly are good, old-fashioned, unadorned blues." - Vintage Guitar Magazine

Back On My Good Foot
Released: March, 25, 2008
Record Label: Jammates

Album Review
Fowler grew up listening to British blues cast like Robin Trower and Kim Simmonds and the Texas blues of Johnny Winter, and brings plenty of rock'n'roll attitude to his music. He's been playing since he was 12, and has a checkered career behind him including film scores, prolific work as a sideman, and a famous benefit concert for Tourette Syndrome that featured REM's Bill Berry on drums, who guests here on "Road to Nowhere". Fowler obviously likes his blues low down and dirty and despite its uplifting title, Back on My Good Foot is crammed with tales from life's darker side. Fowler sings with an understated intensity and his playing isn't showy, but brims over with a dark soulful power. On the title tune Fowler sings "I know I'm gonna be all right," but the music belies his optimistic forecast. His solo here is measured and deliberate, contrasting neatly with Tim White's big Hammond B3 which conjures up storm clouds and lightening. White is the album's secret weapon, sharing the solo spotlight with his boss and adding his own foreboding aura to the proceedings. Fowler's also a superior songwriter, and while his scenarios are unremittingly bleak they're also imbued with a self-effacing humor that keeps things from getting too grim. The opener, "Infected With the Blues", likens the blues to a fatal disease. Fowler's observations on his condition here mirror the lives of many as he sings "I'm worried ‘bout the future, I'm haunted by the past, ain't crazy ‘bout the present, I pray that it can't last…" His solo is full of fire and brimstone that belies his protestation of helplessness. On "Preacher" Fowler smacks back at religious hypocrisy, telling the Reverend that he'll find peace in his own way. White's B3 soars to the heavens while Fowler's slashing guitar keeps things anchored to the earth. "Road to Nowhere" is another ode to alienation and despair, again marked by Fowler's deadpan wit. A screaming solo full of bent notes and long sustains segues into White's easy rolling organ solo, suggesting a car cruising down an empty highway at midnight. "Skeletons in Your Closet" is a spooky country blues thang with Fowler's slide guitar adding icy accents. Guest player Randall Bramblett takes the tune home with a brief churchy organ solo. A cover of Savoy Brown's "Hellbound Train" closes the album on a suitably desolate note. The playing stays subdued throughout, all tension and no release until Fowler breaks out with a growling volley of blue notes near the tune's end, but the fury quickly subsides to close with an almost meditative bass solo by Michael C. Steele. ~ j. poet, All Music Guide - Billboard + All Music Guide

Rick Fowler review.....
Written by Don Crow
Friday, 28 March 2008

RICK FOWLER

BACK ON MY GOOD FOOTActive Image

JAMMATES CD 0637

INFECTED WITH THE BLUES--SKELETONS IN YOUR CLOSET--FEEL SO MUCH BETTER--BACK ON MY GOOD FOOT--PREACHER--WALK SOFTLY--RUNNING FROM THE TRUTH--ROAD TO NOWHERE--HITCHHIKING--HELLBOUND TRAIN



Rick Fowler has been playing guitar since the age of twelve. Altho he's matured as an artist and played on many varied projects, his "blues roots" are always prominently showing, from his formative years of listening to and learning from American players, and, especially the British blues-rockers such as Robin Trower and Kim Simmonds. On his latest release on the Jammates label, he's sho' nuff "Back On My Good Foot," and in fine form with ten slabs of guitar-driven blues-rock that not only entertains, but makes one think, as well.

In Rick's songwriting, there is a lot of "outside-the-box" creativity going on. Check out his tale of growing up in a small town, "Skeletons In Your Closet," where everyone knows everyone else, especially when "those jawbones get to rattlin!" This one includes some serious slide guitar work, too. Randall Bramblett's B-3 scores big points as well on the ballad "Feel So Much Better."

There are songs about everyday struggles, too. When you've got nowhere to turn, Rick compares it to being "Infected With The Blues." And, things are bound to get better in a little while, and you can get "Back On My Good Foot." Today's topical problems are addressed in "Running From The Truth," where the political left and right are seemingly both wrong nowadays. Rick's tribute to one of his early influences is presented in the set's only cover, a ten-minute raveup of Savoy Brown's "Hellbound Train."

We had two favorites, too. The crunching riff of "Road To Nowhere" is driven home by the backbeats of legendary guest drummer Bill Berry of R. E. M. fame. And, a spooky, swampy tale of a jealous man lying in wait to kill his cheating lover is the premise behind "Walk Softly."

As a writer, Rick Fowler pens songs that reach out and literally grab the listener by the lapels. Add to that his stinging guitar attack and a red-hot backing band, and "Back On My Good Foot" makes for a highly-recommended listen!!! Until next time......Sheryl and Don Crow. - Music City Blues

Athens, Georgia's Rick Fowler is a midnight stalker on guitar, steady when called for, but fearless when he rips into the moment. As a vocalist he's spooky-smooth. Randall Bramblett, along with a few others, mixes up tasty blues/rock cocktails behind Fowler on Back On My Good Foot. There's a distinct Brit-invasion vibe to several of the songs, but the production and the deft, exciting performances root the album firmly in the here and now. “You've got skeletons in your closet; well mine's out walkin' 'round; and when that jawbone starts to rattle; it spreads the news all over town.” That line alone, on top of a stomping beat, distinguishes Fowler as one hell of a writer. The timely political outrage in “Running from the Truth” and the chic blues in “Walk Softly” are two more cases in point. As a perfect conclusion to the album, the band all but one-ups Savoy Brown in ten agile minutes of sheer “Hellbound Train.”
- Hittin' the Note Magazine

Back On My Good Foot is as straightforward of a blues record as humanly possible. Super distorted everything, way too much reverb on the vocals (my only complaint), and actual soul makes this an incredibly solid blues record.

Fowler, as anyone who listens to this can hear, is about music, not popularity, and plays his music that way. With quite a bit of delta influence and musicianship to boot, this album is for anyone stoked on good, old fashion porch blues.
- John Shelton Ivany

June, 2008:

Back On My Good Foot, the new CD from Rick Fowler, has charted at position number 41 in The Roots Music Report, the top reporting source for worldwide airplay of blues and roots music. - Roots Music Report

Juke Joint Soul: July 2008 review of Rick Fowler’s new CD
Ben Harpman

Review Quotes:

"Fowler shows off his graceful feel on the slow burn of "Feel So Much Better." Tim "Drawbar" White adds some superb Hammond Organ here and throughout the entire album, save for one which Randall Bramblett takes the keys for."

"Fowler's guitar work can border on blasting off into superhero rock guitar but just before you think he's crossed the line, he comes back and shows why he's suited for a blues audience."

"Preacher" seethes with guile for the religious zealot hypocrite. Fowler rips them up with his lyrics in one hand while smacking them with the fury of Hell with his guitar in the other. The song, though more of a hard-driving blues-rock, is one of the high points on the disc for Fowler's all around attack."

"Walk Softly" is one of the other high points on the disc with a slow-burning blues-rock murder ballad that would almost be better suited in a Southern Rock songbook than it would blues. This song is here again another example of Fowler's excellent songwriting and storytelling abilities."
- Juke Joint Soul