James Montgomery
Duck Fever
James Montgomery? Nope, me neither. Out of Boston via Detroit, apparently. Used to play all around New England supporting the J Geils Band and Aerosmith. Duck Fever, from ’78, is his third album, after the first two did doodly squat. So far, so mundane. And certainly no expectations. Until you press ‘Play’.
The opening sprightly, bassdriven groove of Working On A Love Affair has you scurrying for the CD booklet, where you find the names of a bunch of top-notch New York session musicians, many of whom are supplementing their weekly pay cheque from the David Letterman show. And they keep it sharp.
A cover of the Kinks rarity Who’ll Be The Next In Line and has Stiv Bators, Jimmy Zero and Tony Rodriguez of the Dead Boys on backing vocals. For Your Love gets a life-affirming kick. If the Yardbirds had done the same thing with their original, then Clapton might not have left. And so it continues; nine tracks and no duds.
Montgomery can write his own stuff too; Heaven Help Me wouldn’t disgrace any Little
Feat album.
Duck Fever did no better than its predecessors. But if it’s good, funk-tinged R&B you’re after, you will not be disappointed.
hugh Fielder