After fronting an extremely popular Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band for several years in the early '90s, this Florida native decided it was time to do his own thing. Although Strong Temptation does have glimmers of originality, however, it is still heavy on the SRV influence. "Crazy for Loving You" is a nice, slow blues similar to Gary Moore's "Still Got the Blues," featuring nice piano playing from guest artist Ben Crider. "Mojo Down the Road" is a hard-charging, ZZ Top-style tune. "Dixie 45" is a cool instrumental centered around a fresh, creative bassline; on this one Chambers gives a nod to his first influence, Hendrix. "You Was Wrong" blends the feel of a "Texas Flood" with "Stormy Monday" and throws in some intriguing, surprising variations on the standard blues chord progressions. Chambers' vocals, although not anything particularly special, seem to do the job. This is rockin', smokin' blues with a hard edge and never a dull moment.
© Ann Wickstrom /TiVo