record collection revisited: Bonnie Raitt "Slipstream"

Bonnie Raitt's latest album "Slipstream" was a big part of her performance at the Minnesota State Fair last summer, that was blogged here, as was it's title cut, "Used To Rule The World" written by well-known songwriter and musician, Randall Bramblett (former member of the band Sea Level).  These songs, whether composed by Raitt or by someone else, are brought to life on the record, by the core band that has been with her for many years, and who performed with her on tour.

It includes, George Marinelli on guitar, Mike Finnegan on Hammond B3 and keyboards, James "Hutch" Hutchinson on bass, and Ricky Fataar on drums.  Special guests on the record include guitarists Al Anderson and Johnny Lee Schell (concurrently a member of the Phantom Blues Band with Mike Finnegan), and percussionist Luis Conte.  

Raitt's songwriting and vocals have always been hallmarks of her recordings, in addition to her unique slide guitar approach in which, rather than aiming for the really high, screaming notes at the top of the fretboard, a la Derek Trucks or Warren Haynes, she focuses on the mid range of the guitar, within the first twelve frets of the instrument, on her pair of Fender Stratocaster's.  She also does play some acoustic guitar, and it is on a couple tracks on this album if memory serves me right.

Her songs always have a heart rendering message tied to them, and many of the tunes on "Slipstream" are no different.  She knows how to craft poignant songs, or choose songs that have deep meaning.  Here, Raitt did not pen any of the songs.  Her producer Joe Henry penned a few, as did Bonnie Bramlett, and Bonnie Bishop, in collaboration with Al Anderson.  "Million Miles" and "Standing In The Doorway" are Bob Dylan numbers.  "Right Down The Line" comes from the pen of Gerry Rafferty. 

Paul Brady and Michael O'Keefe wrote "Marriage Made In Hollywood", while Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick, and Kelly Price wrote "Take My Love With You".  It is an eclectic bunch of songs, and if an artist chooses songs by other writers, they know those songs have to be top shelf.  This record is worth the listen.  Check it out. 

1. Used To Rule The World
2. Right Down The Line
3. Million Miles
4. You Can't Fail Me Now
5. Down To You
6. Take My Love With You
7. Not 'Cause I Wanted To
8. Ain't Gonna Let You Go
9. Marriage Made in Hollywood
10. Split Decision
11. Standing In The Doorway
12. God Only Knows