DISCOGRAPHY 1995-2022 (16CD/DVD)
BIOGRAPHY
Since the '80s he's been based in Vancouver, British Columbia, where his combination of boogie-woogie, blues, old-time R'n'B, and New Orleans fonk have made him a major attraction.
Wayne's a playful vocalist with a warm, witty style that echoes the work of Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Fats Domino, Aaron Neville, and Johnny Otis. On this, his sixth album, he's in fine voice and backed by his usual cohorts Russell Jackson, bass; Johnny Ferreira, sax; Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl, harmonica; and Theo Brown, drums.
The album's vibe can be summed up in the title of one of the set's
bounciest tracks, "Let's Have Some Fun." You can feel Wayne's smile as he
sings the tune's hook and rocks the piano with a syncopated second-line
feel accented by a funky horn section. "You Can Pack Your Suitcase," an
obscure Fats Domino track written by Dave Bartholomew, is a driving
shuffle highlighted by Wayne's light twinkling right-hand fills and
Ferreira's nasty sax.
"Don't Cry" is a vivid slice of barrelhouse boogie, again with a bit of
Crescent City syncopation that recalls Allen Toussaint's work with Lee
Dorsey. "Tangueray" is a late-night saloon song with Wayne delivering a
smooth, seductive vocal to sing the praises of his favorite
libation.
The band joins in on backing vocals while guest player Rich McDonough
adds a mellow guitar solo. "Boogie Woogie Mama" shows off Wayne's strong
left hand and exuberant vocals and Hoerl's fine harmonica.
Wayne's solo makes the keys on his 88 dance off the piano. "My Sweet
Little Peach" gives listeners a slightly more up-to-date take on the
blues. Wayne's clavinet playing brings to mind Stevie Wonder and his
spoken introduction plays a winking homage to Barry White. Wayne's son
Cory Spruell drops a lively rap midway through the track to give the kids
something to groove to.
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2024 Ooh Yeah! @FLAC