Guitarist Chris James and bassist Patrick Rynn certainly learned a thing or two about playing the blues over the years, as they were both members of the Blue Four and have backed countless other blues artists. But by 2008, the two decided to go out on their own, issuing Stop and Think About It — credited solely to Chris James and Patrick Rynn. What you get is an album of straight-ahead old-school blues-rock — James also proves to be a strong blues singer (handling all of the lead vocals on the entire album). Picture a less technically flashy Stevie Ray Vaughan and James isn’t that far off with this vocal and guitar skills — as evidenced by such standout tracks as “Early One Morning” and “Hawaiian Boogie.” Stop and Think About It shows James and Rynn in their preferred elements — blues-rockers, shuffles, and even slow burners. – Greg Prato
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