Miller Anderson - Chameleon (2008)

I was happy to find that Miller Anderson is still actively involved in the world of music and looked forward to hearing this 2008 release when I heard of its existence. Now, let it be said, Anderson has a fine voice indeed and is a guitarist of great style and emotion. He has a varied and interesting pedigree too, most notably as a central player in both the Keef Hartley Band and Dog Soldier (to name just two) and has always been gifted with a naturally bluesy and soulful voice. On "Chameleon" he proves his voice is as powerful and heartfelt as it's always been and his guitar playing has been honed to an impressive level. However, much like his better known contemporary, Paul Rodgers, Anderson simplifies things on this solo outing to the point that you are left a bit cold. Rodgers' "Now And Live" (the studio 'Now' part especially) springs to mind as a prime comparison. On that set Rodgers seemed to think presence alone could carry simple and sometimes generic material up to another level. Well he was wrong and Anderson falls into a similar trap here.
The songs, for the most part, are way too by the numbers blues tunes, checking every box, from well worn blues themes and phrases to delivery. Simply put, there is absolutely nothing new offered here and there are far more varied and adept blues musicians still active and on the scene to make this stand out as anything more than solid, if pedestrian, blues work. It's too bad because Anderson has that great and expressive voice and knows a thing or two about getting some sweet sounds out of his guitar. His dobro playing on "Rich Man, Poor Man" is a high point and the lyrics are a bit more inventive here as well, showing some verve and punch sadly lacking elsewhere. The happy vibe and very catchy "Sing Your Song" (the melody kinda reminds me of 'Feelin' Groovy'), puts aside the blues to mine a poppier vein with great success and to a lesser degree the blues of opener, "City Blues", the matter of fact life on the road narrative of "Fog On The Highway" and "Little Brother" provide the minor highlights here.
On "Me And My Woman", Anderson treds the well worn blues theme of the unpredictable nature of ones woman, in the somewhat comedic blues vein but if you put this next to say Albert Collins', "Too Many Dirty Dishes", which tackles similar themes much more humorously and bitingly, there is just no comparison. Anderson seems content to rely on well worn blues cliches, when exploring a less used avenue would have paid much more exciting dividends. There is a feeling that Anderson is content to let others scout the path while he cheerfully tags along for the ride in the back seat.
Talking of Collins, the keyboardist here, one Frank Tischer, does bring to mind Jimmy McGriff and that's high praise indeed! McGriff took the Collins album "Cold Snap" up to another level but on that album Collins was in peak form and at his lyrical best and most original. On "Chameleon", Anderson is too safe lyrically and the keyboards (particularly the driving Hammond organ), fun as they are, kinda have to fend for themselves. I also think that if this was recorded in analog it would have brought out a lot more warmth and grit to the proceedings, which are a bit too sterile to capture the atmosphere Anderson probably heard in his head. Damn though, Miller's voice and guitar are still in fine form. It's just too bad the material here is just a touch safe and familiar. Still, it makes for a nice summertime listen and it's just kinda great to know Anderson is still out there doin' it! ~Godwaffle

Track listing
01. City Blues (5:32)
02. By The Light (4:20)
03. Bad Mouth Mama (3:45)
04. Fog On The Highway (4:34)
05. Little Brother (3:49)
06. Me And My Woman (5:36)
07. Rich Man, Poor Man (4:46)
08. Eye On The Prize (4:00)
09. The Dreamer (2:54)
10. Sing Your Song (3:18)

Personnel
- Miller Anderson (guitars, harmonica, vocals)
- Kris Gray (bass, backing vocals)
- Frank Tischer (keyboards, backing vocals)
- Paul Burgess (drums)



Thx to ЗУБ2007