Redd Volkaert

Reddhead (Telehog)

Redd Volkaert is arguably the best guitarist in a town overflowing with them. Every once in a while, when he’s not anchoring one of the many bands he’s a member of or backing some new talent, the stubby genius cuts an album to remind us of just how amazing he is. Reddhead, his fourth LP, is a happy amalgam of styles that isn’t as jaw-dropping as seeing the man play right in front of you but is almost as entertaining. About middisc, he’s a blues hound with “Call the Pound,” then he’s two-stepping on “I Know How I’d Feel,” reconfiguring the Box Tops’ “The Letter” à la ZZ Top, and finally setting heads spinning with a blistering take on Buddy Emmons instrumental “Raisin’ the Dickens.” His baritone is serviceable, if limited, but the redhead’s freewheeling guitar-play sparkles more than enough to make Reddhead a joyful noise.

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This article appears in September 19 • 2008.

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