Blue-rock quartet Foghat formed in 1971 when guitarist and singer “Lonesome” Dave Peverett, drummer Roger Earl and bassist Tony Stevens left Savoy Brown to set out on their own. They were joined by guitarist Rod Price, playing an oh-so distinctive electric guitar slide. The band would go on to earn eight gold albums, one platinum, and one double-platinum over their long career. Peverett passed away in 2000, Rod Price in 2005, and Stevens’ replacement, longtime bassist Craig MacGregor, in 2018. Earl has kept Foghat’s music and legacy rocking, and their 2021 live album 8 Days On The Road proves they are as vital as ever.
Recorded just before the pandemic shutdown in November 2019 at Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, New York, this 14-song collection features some of Foghat’s legendary hits, plus a slew of lesser-knowns. Opening with the drive of “Drivin’ Wheel, ” And rolling into the equally slide-tastic “Road Fever,” the good times begin from the get-go. Earl is undoubtedly the engine of this quartet — guitarist and singer Charlie Huhn, guitarist Bryan Bassett, and bassist Rodney O’Quinn — deep in the pocket for a stylistic mix of heavy blues and smoldering rock.
“It Hurts Me Too” is a great centerpiece in the set, featuring Huhn’s best vocal and Bassett’s lead work. The band’s cover of Al Green’s “Take Me To The River,” featuring O’Quinn is another mid-set highlight, and a clever reimaging of the classic. Foghat makes their run for home with “Fool For The City,” “Home In My Hand,” (off a quick Earl solo moment), and their perennial show-stopper cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want To Make Love To You.” Of course, “Slow Ride” finishes 8 Days On The Road off. It’s a smidgen slower than you might be used to, though that doesn’t stop the Daryl House Club audience from singing along. Some of the main players of Foghat may not be here anymore, but this album proves their music will live on forever.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
