Albert Cummings
Someone Like You
(Blind Pig)
Singing the blues sends you down a deep well of tradition, and Massachusetts-born roots rocker Albert Cummings dives in headfirst. His effusive and fun-loving seventh album, which barrels down the road packing songs of love and heartache, should prove to the unconverted that he has earned his reputation as one of America’s most enjoyable performers of folk, blues, bluegrass, and good ol’ rock and roll.
Working for the first time with veteran producer David Z — who has collaborated with everyone from Etta James to Billy Idol to Buddy Guy — Cummings delivers 12 tracks that shuffle earnest power ballads with soulful blues grooves and jazz-inflected instrumental riffs. At 53 minutes long, Someone Like You is a fully satisfying sample of his skills, which are backed here by Mike Finnegan on keys, Tony Braunagel on drums, and Reggie McBride on bass.
The lyrics speak to classic blues and rock themes, echoing well-worn refrains rather than voicing new stories. On “Up Your Sleeve,” Cummings sings: “Baby, I know what you got up your sleeve/ You don’t change your ways now, baby, you’re gonna be watchin’ me packin’ up to leave.”
You’d be hard-pressed to write a more conventional line. But honoring tradition is part of the mission here, and Cummings clearly loves playing it. You can practically hear the smile on his face when he sings. It allows him to skate blissfully through these well-crafted songs even though most of their titles are either overly generic (“I’m in Love with You”) or jokey (“Stay Away From My Sister”).
A less charismatic performer might sink into the canon without making much of a blip, but Cummings doubles down on his audience’s desire for some simple, carefree toe-tapping. That he is so technically skilled on guitar is just icing on the cake, although longtime blues listeners will be wowed at moments by his passion and precision.
Someone Like You dials up Cummings’ showmanship without coming off as brash. It is a fervently played, richly produced collection. Put it on, turn it up, and roll the windows down.•
Albert Cummings will play at a CD release party at the Iron Horse in Northampton on Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17 in advance through the Northampton Box Office, or $20 at the door.
