Fritts,Donnie June (A Tribute To Arthur Alexander) CD

June begins with it's title song, Fritts' tribute to his friend, but it's filled out with songs written by Alexander alone, by Fritts and Alexander together, and by the pair along with another legendary Shoals writer, Dan Penn. One might expect such a record, from a 75-year-old, to be an exercise in love and dignity - but not necessarily an excellent album. That is most assuredly not the case with "June." A crack band of Alabama musicians creates a remarkable space for Fritts' beautiful Wurlitzer electric piano and rough-hewn voice. The group includes John Paul White on guitar and vocals, David Hood on bass, Ben Tanner of the Alabama Shakes on keyboards, Reed Watson on drums, and Kelvin Holly on electric guitar. Laura and Lydia Rogers from the Secret Sisters add vocal harmonies, and Kimi Samson and Caleb Elliott provide violin and cello, respectively. These musicians have rendered a tender, beautiful tribute to Alexander, full of lush woodwind and string arrangements that magically frame the deep emotion evident in Fritts' voice on every song. - The Bitter Southerner