[BLUES ROCK] Scott Law is infamous in Portland for his
ripping, old-school blues and honky-tonk guitar work and manic stage
energy, which, naturally, means he's a singular live act. So it only
makes sense that Law and his Reunion Band's latest EP is a live set
recorded at his unofficial home base, Southeast pub the Goodfoot. What
doesn't make sense is how subdued Law and company sound on the
recording. The songs seem to have been recorded with an album-ready
mentality, so when Law or keyboardist Asher Fulero start to let it rip,
it's all the more disappointing when they're cut off for time. The
strongest tracks are the two originals, but momentum's lost on the
subdued cover of the Rolling Stones' "Factory Girl" and on traditional
pieces that dominate the running time. For those who have never seen
Law's live show, the record is a good introduction. But for anyone who
has heard the man shred in person, this isn't representative of that
experience.
SEE IT: Scott Law Reunion Band plays Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave., on Thursday, Dec. 6. 9 pm. $10 advance, $12 day of show. 21 .
WWeek 2015