When I was a young lad, I often received but seldom heeded the advice of parents and family. The old timers tried to teach me "If you cannot say something good about somebody, then just do not say anything at all". Now that I have grown older and hopefully wiser, I try to practice this philosophy, not only in life, but also as a blues and blues/rock CD reviewer. If I cannot honestly write good things that I sincerely believe about an artist, I just will not write about them. Whether you agree with my reviews or not, I hope you always realize that you are reading my honest comments and opinions.

Tino Gonzales is a very easy person about whom to write nice things. He was another artist referred to me by my best contact (thanks again, Al!) and someone who has rapidly become one of my personal favorites. Gonzales, who was born in Chicago about a half a century ago (yeah it sounds old, as I will turn 49 this year myself), is an artist who, by his own admission, has always chosen his own musical path. With stints in Chicago, Canada, and the US west coast and performances with some of the most recognizable names in pop and rock, Gonzales has a resume' that would be the envy of most artists. However, he has deliberately avoided ever signing a major record deal, though he has had numerous opportunities to do so, and has chosen instead to remain completely independent. As in the case of Bugs Henderson (please read our review of "Call of the Wild"), Gonzales' independence and the artistic freedom it has afforded him have given birth to an artist who is both versatile and creative and one who has perpetually redefined modern blues/rock music. Besides that, he is just plain good. He is truly a free spirit, as he currently resides in France and pretty much tours when he wants and where he wants. You know, I think he kind of enjoys what he is doing for a living these days and it certainly shows in the quality of work he is putting out.

The main problem associated with reviewing Tino Gonzales is that all of his recordings are so exceptional that it is difficult to decide just which one to review. I have chosen to write about his 1997 Dixiefrog release "A Heart Full of Blues" but I honestly could have written about any of the 4 CDs of his that I own. I opted to review this CD as it is one of Gonzales' later releases and it is vintage Tino Gonzales from start to finish. Gonzales is a Chicago blues/rock guitarist who I would compare in style more to Luther Allison than any other artist. Those of you who are familiar with my writing will recognize that this is about as high a compliment as I can pay to any performer. Luther Allison was a national treasure and someone sorely missed by all who loved his work, including yours truly. Gonzales is much in his mold, in that like Allison, he is both an intense guitarist and soulful vocalist. Also like Allison, his work is consistently excellent and he seems in fact to be incapable of making a poor recording.

This set features some exceptional Tino Gonzales original songs including the slow blues of "Young Thing", the uptempo blues/rocking "Piece of Work" (my favorite on the set), and the powerful "It's a Rock and Roll World", which was recorded live in concert. There are also some great covers and other live tracks, as well. The supporting players are first rate, the sound quality excellent, but the unquestionable star of the show on each song is Tino Gonzales. If you like blues/rock guitar, he is about as good as it gets.

The CD is available via www.netbeat.com from the UK and from other importers as well. I am recommending without hesitation that you purchase "A Heart Full of Blues" and anything else by this very fine artist.