Released January 2023 on the band’s own label see: https://www.littledaveandthesunsessions.com/ Reviewed January 2023 This is the second album from this excellent British four piece rockabilly band. Unlike the first album which was mostly all original songs this album is made up of cover versions apart from one track “Take It As It Comes” written by Little Dave. All of the songs are popular with the band’s fans at their gigs and it is easy to tell why. The album was recorded live in a private studio in Poole, Dorset on England’s South Coast. The band is made up of: Little Dave - Vocals, rhythm guitar and harmonica Steve - Drums Jon - Lead guitar Connie - Double Bass Review You Made A Hit – A fine cover version of the track best known by Ray Smith on Sun from 1958. Great guitar break and lots of energy, a great opening track.
It'll be Me – If you get asked the question “what do Cliff Richard, Tom Jones and Little Dave have in common?”, the answer is they have all done good covers of this track originally recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis. A great driving guitar on this track.
Jeanie (With The Dark Blue Eyes) – I remember paying a good few quid for a copy of Doug Powell’s original on Tip Top back in the 70s as I really liked the pace of the track. This is great version that has all the energy of the original.
Moon Twist – originally done by Chuck Dallis on Glen records in the early this cover keeps the wild pace of the original along with a bit of “space age” sound effects on the guitar.
Take It As It Comes – the only original album. The guitar and harmonica work nicely together on this mid paced, slightly moody track. I have been told that Dave will be writing more songs soon, let’s hope they are as good as this!
Perkins Wiggle – written and first recorded by rockabilly legend, Carl Perkins. A great cover with guitar playing I am sure Carl would appreciate.
How Low Do You Feel – this was originally a hillbilly track recorded by Jimmy Skinner under the title “How Low CAN You Feel” that came to prominence in the rock and roll clubs of the 70s thanks to the rocking version by Ray Campi. This is the fastest of the three versions but just like Ray’s it is great to stamp your feet to!
Folsom Prison Blues – great guitar sound on this slightly up tempo cover of the Johnny Cash Classic. Connie’s bass playing really keeps this track moving.
Honey Bun – another full throttle track, a fine cover of Larry Donn’s original.
My Babe – Another track with the harmonica playing of Dave coming to the fore.
I Like Your Kind Of Love – it’s back to the Sun label for this track, a cover of the Warren Smith original superbly done.
All I Can Do Is Cry – a pretty faithful cover of the Wayne Walker track originally issued on ABC-Paramount.
You Got Me – a mid-paced rocker originally done by Wayne Walker on Brunswick.
Baby Lets Play House – a track that has been covered by so many, but this version can hold it’s own against most of them! I like the way the drummer and bass played work together on this.
Let’s Dance – for me this is much better than the original by Danny Goode on Gibson records. The musicianship and production are way better.
Moon Twist (Space Mix) – a remix of track 4.
Boozin – a tribute to “BRF” based on Gene Vincent’s “Cruisin’” with some great guitar playing. Summary and Recommendation I think this a great collection of tracks from a fine band that deserve to profit from their efforts in the studio as well as their live performances. For me it is important that bands stamp their own identity and sound on tracks they cover, Little Dave and The Sun Sessions really do that on all of these tracks. Jailhouse John Alexander
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