AMG Review of Outward Bound

Roch Parisien
All Music Guide

Sonny Landreth is the Louisiana-based slide-guitar master known for his work with John Hiatt and B.C.'s Sue Medley (both make backup vocal appearances here). Like fellow ace Ry Cooder, Landreth's playing sizzles and slashes on his debut solo outing Outward Bound without idle wanking. There's lots of space where what isn't played is just as important as what is. "Back to Bayou Teche" echoes the performer's early days backing some of Louisiana's best known Cajun musicians; aboriginal rhythms grace "Sacred Ground"; commercial pop meets Southern boogie on "New Landlord"; Landreth borrows a lick or two from buddy Hiatt for "Common-Law Love."