Live from the Outskirts

Album Review

Cyril Lance and his band specialize in long blues jams on Live From the Outskirts, a 55-minute concert album recorded on the road at the end of 2002. Even by the first cut, listeners will be reminded of Southern rock along with swamp rockers like Little Feat and Dr. John. Although one might notice Lance's lyrics on "I Want the Real Thing," the vocal nuances are soon overwhelmed by slashing guitar, piano, and B-3 organ. At five minutes, though, "I Want the Real Thing" is the shortest song on the album. "I Went Down," "Blues Ain't Nothing," and "Same Thing" all clock in at over ten minutes, leading one to categorize Lance and his comrades — whether it fits or not — as a jam band. Perhaps the nicest thing on the album is "Remembering Jon," a lovely instrumental that unfurls at a relaxed pace. By the time the band has gotten to Willie Dixon's "Same Thing" — the next to last cut — the music, though played with the greatest finesse, begins to sound a bit familiar. Even the non-blues fan, however, will want to stick around for the finale, an energetic take on John Schofield's "Chank." Live From the Outskirts is a solid Lance effort, sure to please fans of his first album and anyone who loves the blues. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide