The Boogie Kings were away from music for 22 years before making a triumphant return in 1991. Since then, they've burned up the South Louisiana circuit with a sturdy blend of modern R&B and blues-tinged material, plus surging traditional numbers. This program shows that they're better at zydeco than R&B and soul covers, at least in the studio; their versions of
James Brown's "I Feel Good,"
Johnny Ace's "Pledging My Love" and
Sam And Dave's "Hold On, I'm Comin'" don't lack earnestness or effort, but aren't exactly distinguished. Main vocalist Duane Yates seems more at ease and isn't plagued by comparisons to superior singers. The group is instrumentally quite effective; they stumble at times, but
The Boogie Kings mostly acquit themselves well. ~ Ron Wynn