This rough-and-tumble Texan has piled up a boss resume as an A-list guitarist (for Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristofferson, Delbert McClinton and many more) and as a deft, empathetic producer for the likes of Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Alejandro Escovedo, Chris Smither, Marcia Ball and Hal Ketchum.
On From The Five, his fifth disc under his own name, Bruton is backed by bassist Yoggie Musgrove, drummer Steve Ferrone, guitarist Randy Jacobs, and keyboardists Billy Payne (Little Feat) and Stephen Barber. Producer Ross Hogarth creates a sound that is expansive and dynamic — from swinging, funky punch to lush, liquid soundscapes — all the while underpinning Bruton’s intimate, thought-provoking reflections on a life in which “there’s less of my future, and more of my past”.
Bruton’s busy dance card has sometimes resulted in overwriting on his solo efforts (with the exception of his thrilling 1993 blues-rock romp What It Is). Sincerity, musicality and talent were never in question, but subsequent efforts seemed to be trying too hard to establish his artistic heft. From The Five, though, finds Bruton far less aggressive lyrically, more sublime, relaxed, and natural — the result being a solid, soulful effort worthy of the luminous company he’s kept over the years.
