CD Review: Murali Coryell "Restless Mind"

Murali Coryell, a contemporary soul-blues singer/guitarist and songwriter released a new, terrific CD "Restless Minds" on August 19, 2014. I published a review of Coryell's last CD "Live" on this site on 1/10/2013.  This new CD is another gem! If you are a Blues and Jazz fan, Murali Coryell is your guy. He continues to impress not only with his Guitar playing but with his soulful singing ability that matches his Guitar playing perfectly. "Restless Mind" features 11 original songs written by Coryell and a great cover of Marvin Gaye's classic "Let's Get It On".

Murali Coryell has truly arrived as one of the great contemporary soul-blues singer/guitar players. He has paid his dues over many years honing his trade, but his last two CDs prove that he has truly arrived to the forefront of soulful Blues performing today. The group of musicians that Coryell has put together for this CD are outstanding in their own right.  Ernie Durawa on Drums, Chris Alcaraz on Bass, Joe Morales on Saxophone and Jimmy Shortell on Trumpet. If you love the Blues, you need to get this CD for your collection.

                  Song List
1. "Waiting and Wasting Away"
2. "Kiss Me First"
3. "Restless Mind"
4. "I'm So Happy"
5. "Sex Maniac'
6. "Crime of Opportunity"
7. "I Can't Give You Up"
8. "Tag Along"
9. "I Need Someone To Love"
10. "Lonely Eyes"
11. "Everyday is a Struggle"
12. "Let's Get It On" 

I have attached a "YouTube" video of Coryell singing "Crime of Opportunity" one of the original songs he wrote for "Restless Mind".

                                  Crime of Opportunity Written and Performed by Murali Coryell

Pre-Release CD Review: "Live" by Murali Coryell

The soon to be released CD, "Live" from Murali Coryell will be a treat for all my "Blues" fans.  Murali is the son of Jazz-rock fusion guitar legend Larry Coryell and contemporary soul blues artist and author/actress Julie Coryell. "Live" is a follow up CD to Murali's acclaimed 2009 release "Sugar Lips". This is my first experience with Murali and I was very impressed by his with both his singing and guitar playing. He also wrote most of the songs for the CD. You can clearly hear his idols B. B. King, Eric Clapton , Albert Collins, Jimi Hendrix and Albert King working through his Music.

If you like any of these great guitar players, you will not be disappointed with the sounds from Murali new CD.  There are 11 cuts on the CD and Murali wrote all songs except for cuts #4,#7 and #9.

1. Introduction                                  2. In the Room With Jimi

3. I Can't Give You Up                    4. I Could've Had You

5. Softly Let Me Kiss Your Lips      6. Sugar Lips

7. Love Her With A Feeling            8. Music Sets You Free

9. What's Going On                        10. The Blues is Taking Its Place

11. Closer to You Baby

The CD was recorded live at Club Heisinki in Hudson, NY on July 30, 2012. I have always felt that Blues always sounds better when hear in front of a live audience.  I think this wonderful CD proves that point again. Murali Coryell plays and sings the Blues as good as any guitar player on the current scene! Supporting Murali on the CD is Dorian Randolph on Drums/vocals, Vince Leggiere on Bass, Bill Foster on Guitar, Stacey Waterous on Saxophone/Vocals and Cameron Melville on Organ on tracks 4 and 5. This CD was produced by Murali Coryell also. The CD will be release on January 22, 2013 and it will satisfy any lover of the Blues!

There is a bonus DVD included with the CD package that was recorded at The Roots & Blues Festival in Salmon Arm, BC.