AMG Review of Get Way Back: A Tribute to Percy Mayfield

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This is a very logical release. Amos Garrett is a veteran singer and guitarist who has a storytelling style that crosses over between the blues and folk music. Probably not as famous as he should be considering that Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis" and Anne Murray's "Snowbird" feature his guitar playing, Garrett has contributed to many other artists' recordings but fortunately has also recorded regularly as a leader for Stony Plain. He has a very attractive baritone voice and a fluent guitar style. Percy Mayfield was one of the great blues songwriters. He will always be immortal due to having penned "Please Send Me Someone to Love," but he also wrote many other worthy numbers. On Get Way Back, Garrett performs 11 of Mayfield's better songs (skipping "Please Send Me"), including "Stranger in My Own Hometown," "River's Invitation," and a song often sung by Mose Allison, "Lost Mind." Despite his own personal misfortunes and the darkness of many of these songs, Mayfield's music is open to a variety of interpretations and Garrett's versions have some witty and very human moments. Accompanied by a top-notch combo, Amos Garrett is in top form throughout this inspired outing.