Barry Rillera
From Where I Stand...
Two Boys Music

Following a brilliant career as a sideman that has included service with the Righteous Brothers, a tour with Ray Charles, and a stint with the Southern R&B band WhiteTrash, Barry Rillera takes his guitar and his vocal feel for the blues on a solo outing.
His program of original tunes, plus one cover-brings a contemporary flavor to the forum. He's backed by keyboards, bass, drums, and a few more.
"I Played With Your Feelings (Now I'm Playing With Your Feelings Too)" provides a natural aura that recalls the blues tradition.
Rillera confesses a deep appreciation for B.B. King, and it shows.

Here, his emotions overflow, as the band and extra horns back him persuasively. It's the high point of his program. The casual mix of Rillera's fiery electric guitar and his passionate vocals set the house on fire. He gives the music plenty of time to set in.
Elsewhere, the leader takes this band through a varied session that includes Country & Western, smooth ballads, and more blues. His contemporary overtones belie a close association with the lyrical ballad. While most of his program runs smooth with a foot-tapping backbeat and he cools off for a sizeable portion, it's clear that this singer/guitarist stands for uplifted emotion. As a veteran, he knows where to hit 'em hard and when to lay back. This , his first solo album, offers some of both.