The history of the blues has wound its way around the world and back many times over. Today, a new chapter has been released, courtesy of Scott Sharrard, Taj Mahal, and Gregg Allman. Listen to their new song, "Everything A Good Man Needs," above on YouTube.
Sharrard was the lead guitarist in Gregg Allman's band from 2008 until Gregg's last days 2017. Five other members of that group contributed to this recording: organist Peter Levin, bassist Brett Bass, and the brass section of Marc Franklin, Kirk Smothers, and Art Edmaiston. Additionally, the song features two legendary guest stars in Taj Mahal on vocals and Bernard Purdie on drums.
Sharrard co-wrote "Everything A Good Man Needs" with Allman, and it was supposed to be released on his Southern Blood album but was never finished in the studio because of health issues, according to a Rolling Stone interview. In that same interview, Sharrard explained the inspiration behind the song:
Whenever we would pull into a town or a hotel on the road, Gregg would usually say, ‘This place has everything a good man needs.'... This is definitely a true story... with references to Gregg’s life on the road as a single man. We just wanted to do a fun, funky blues about finding love out on the road. I know that Gregg would be thrilled to have Taj and Bernard playing our song.
There is a sentimental connection to the Allman Brothers legacy, as well. Duane Allman was inspired to play slide guitar by Taj Mahal's version of Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues," which became a staple in the Allman Brothers' repertoire and an exceptional opening track on the band's 1971 At Fillmore East album. On this recording, Sharrard's slide guitar playing is simply fantastic. The whole band is in fine form, laying down a nice slow groove with plenty of soul. Purdie's drumming has his quirky viruosity, but everything sounds perfectly locked in from beginning to end.
The song is slated to be on Sharrard's upcoming album, Saving Grace, due out on September 21, 2018.
For more, check out Scott Sharrard's Zumic artist page.