Eric Lindell

Almost a best of collection, Change in the Weather features 14 remastered tracks selected from various self-released CDs by Lindell over the past six years. Learning the ropes while gigging around his native California in the ’90s, the 36-year-old vocalist/guitarist Lindell headed first for New York City, and then soon after to his current home of New Orleans. Now a regular at the Jazz and Heritage Festival, he counts among his musical friends Ivan Neville and the members of Galactic — all featured on the CD. This is rhythm-driven R&B, with the soloing kept short and sweet. There’re lots of horns and harmony vocals. Added to the rhythmic blend are shots of roots reggae, jam band boogie and Deep Southern soul à la Stax Records circa 1966. Not a typical release from Chicago’s Alligator Records, best known for its roster of house rockin’ blues recordings by folks like Koko Taylor and Son Seals. Hopefully the affiliation with a blues label won’t deter fans of gritty modern street soul from checking this CD out. Like G. Love and James Hunter, Lindell is writing original material that reflects current values and sensibilities while sonically remaining rooted in the musical idioms that inspired him in the first place. Somewhat slow to ignite, Lindell’s lead track, "Give It Time,” is appropriate as the payoff is rewarding.