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On his two previous Bullseye Blues recordings (Blues Guitar Virtuoso Live in Europe and Language of the Soul) Ronnie made evident a passion for melding blues and jazz stylings. The culmination of that passion is Grateful Heart: Blues & Ballads. Longtime band mates Per Hanson on drums, Rod Carey on bass and the incomparable Bruce Katz on piano and B3 organ, are joined by legendary tenor saxman David 'Fathead' Newman. From the album's opener (a version of John Coltrane's 'Alabama') to its final track (Ronnie's tribute to Carlos Santana, 'Song for a Sun') Grateful Heart reveals Mr. Earl as a player of great depth and sensitivity. This exploration of the heart and soul of music is a voyage not to be missed. Downbeat's Blues Album of the Year (1996).