There are some guys who seem to hold all the cards when it comes to playing guitar. James Howard'sfirst CD released in 1998 is a testimony versatility .
The title track "Electric Rain" is a smoking Texas-style blues shuffle. It smolders along at a “Look At Little Sister” pace, has the wha wha pedal guitar overlays, and a rhythm section that drives ahead with lots of power. James Howard’s guitar solo is potent and filled with creativity, and the work of Willy Riser and Mike Vanderhule on bass and drums is like clockwork, and Dave Matthews Hammond B-3 helps things along with some great swells and fills.

Chicken Lips” is another killer guitar workout for Howard, although with a different band backing him. This time around, Paul Feia gets the call for bass, David Brownell fills the duties behind the drum kit, and Tony Lufrano handles keyboards. What Howard can do with a guitar is remarkable in a word. “Lips” is a Travis-guitar instrumental that drills along at breakneck speed, and doesn’t let up once the crew i