The Proven Ones - You Ain't Done (Album Review)

What do the Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Rolling Stones and Wilson Pickett have in common? They more or less sound like the Proven Ones if you mix them altogether. Singer Brian Templeton brings a soulful swagger to the mic. A seasoned pro who has spent years honing his vocal chops. Their new record "You Ain't Done" is a gritty throwback to the bluesier elements of classic rock radio. This is not a bogged down blues album though. This is mostly good time rock and roll with a soulful groove. Guitarist Kid Ramos channels all of your favorite old time players. His grooves are both dirty and fun at the same time.

"Get Love" and it's instrumental intro feel like B.B. King or Eric Clapton with lots of horns. The bar has already been raised to a high place if this is your introduction to the band. "Gone To Stay" which was the first single released from the album, is a burning, stomping, ranting sing-a-long with a catchy chorus and and equally memorable horn section. Jimi Bott's drumming has a Charlie Watts feel as he sets the table for "You Ain't Done", the title track to the record. The song is a soulful shuffle augmented by more well placed horns and Anthony Geraci's fine array of keyboard sounds. Ramos and Geraci tag team amazingly well thorough this record. One can envision a live jam of any of these songs that could last long after last call.

"Already Gone" feels very Fab Thunderbirds but with more vocal harmonies. The arrangements and production values on this album will impress you from start to finish. The band duets with Ruthie Foster on "Whom My Soul Loves", a track that could be mistaken for something from the Stax era. "Milinda" keeps the string of close to perfect going with a more laid back approach between all the players. "Nothing Left To Give" feels very Santana, with a more Latin approach, and with plenty of opportunity for Ramos and bass player Willie Campbell to really stretch out and explore some new territory. And there's great percussion which really gives this track it's own vibe. "She'll Never Know" is another less is more soul track with an infectious groove. "I Ain't Good For Nothing" is a tongue and cheek blues number with a New Orleans feel to it. "Fallen" is more of a rocker with fiery guitar leads and Ramos growling his way through it. "Favorite Dress" is the most Stones-like tune with a riff that emulates "Jumpin' Jack Flash" to some extent. The tune expands further from there into a potent blues rocker.

This ends up being an amazing journey of rock, soul and blues. These are all well crafted songs. They are all instant classics. Well written, well produced and ready for consumption. This is the kind of music that used to be the norm rather than the exception. If you are looking to start a party, "You Ain't Done" is the perfect album for such an occasion.

Album rating 9.8