Live in Europe

by Bill DahlSpecter, his ultra-soulful singer/harpist of the time Tad Robinson, and his swinging Bluebirds ventured over to Germany on tour in 1994, cutting this fine set over two memorable evenings. Robinson, now on his own, was an exceptional match for Specter's concise, crisp guitar style; equally conversant in blues and soul, Robinson is also an exceptional songscribe who penned three of the disc's highlights ("On the Outside Looking In," "Sweet Serenity," "Dose of Reality"). More straight blues than on Blueplicity: "Little by Little," "Bad Boy," "Kidney Stew," Little Walter's "It's Too Late Brother."