Quinn Sullivan – Salvation
This musical territory’s generally been explored before, but Quinn Sullivan reminds us how potent well-polished rock n’ roll can be. I almost suggested it had a 70s pedigree but Quinn’s persuasive vocals & ache in his vocals reach even further back to the fabric of Roger Daltry (The Who). The guitar is razor sharp with a propulsive style that borders on bombastic, but he seems to know how to rein it in with class.
There are 12 choice cuts of beef on the hook that suspends Salvation (Drops June 7/Mascot Label Group/ Provogue) over our ears. Quinn spreads some soulful spirited music over “Salvation (Make Me Wanna Pray),” with its funky display. But the centerpiece is his soaring vocal & often fiery guitar. Quinn Sullivan is a virtuoso who pricks the mind with his self-assured blues, rock n’ roll & gospel-drenched percussive ballads (“Rise Up Children”). I like his energy.
This LP will still have its standard depths of love, liberation & toxic relationships with a cool, well-defined progression by a fine young artist. He hits all the right notes but still needs to find a signature sound in his axe. He scores on a cover of a live “Eyesight for the Blind” with a blistering solo.
But Quinn needs to focus on the fact that Jeff Healey didn’t sound like Robin Trower, Trower didn’t sound like Buddy Guy & Guy didn’t sound like Stevie Ray Vaughn or Shuggie Otis (another young guitar prodigy). While the playing is exceptional it’s the fireworks that overcome the stylization. These things take time to find their place between the fingers. But Quinn’s propulsive performance has everything it needs to go from expensive smooth marble to a divine sculpture.
Songs like “Once Upon a Lie” with a Prince-like vocal over a Steve Cropper lead style that segues into Quinn’s fuzzy tone attack are exciting. However, this song doesn’t shine any brighter light on Quinn’s skills since this tune is mediocre compared to the others. Cruise control isn’t the same as driving.
While his guitar glistens with significance the songwriting on some is typical. “Better In Love,” has its cliché sweet lines & should’ve been written with more expressive words. The melody itself has appeal. Quinn will be known for his guitar playing but why not develop the songwriting as strongly as the guitar?
Now you don’t have a guitar player – you have an artist. On “Leave No Love Behind” & “Half My Heart,” the vocals are easygoing & strong & in a novel way Quinn sings ambitiously & vulnerable. This sounds more seasoned as if from an experienced voice. Get my microscope down from the shelf. I have to look more closely.
Highlights – “Dark Love,” “Salvation (Make Me Wanna Pray),” “Rise Up Children,” “Leave No Love Behind,” “I Can’t Stay (& You Can’t Go),” “Half My Heart” & “Eyesight for the Blind.”
Color image courtesy of Jim Arbogast. CD @ Amazon + https://quinnsullivanmusic.com/