Child’s Play is a masterful, if uneven, effort from guitarist extraordinaire and jack-of-all-genres, the late, great, Cornell Dupree. The album is a compilation of instrumentals spanning from R&B, straight-ahead blues, and country, although it is predominated by R&B tunes with a playful attitude. And it is these R&B tunes which really carry the album, making it well worth the price of admission, in spite of some uninspired tracks on the record’s B-side.
The albums opening three tunes, “Bumpin”, “Short Stuff”, and “Putt’s Pub” are all tightly composed R&B ditties with melodies both whimsical and catchy. But it is really during the periods of improvisation that Dupree is able to strut his stuff. Highly melodic, yet simultaneously rhythmic and funky, Dupree’s playing doesn’t fail to entertain. In addition to these superlative qualities, Dupree’s performance is also altogether joyful, and its exuberance is infectious, making it hard to remain in dull spirits while listening to each of these three tracks.
Our album’s tone shifts a little as we arrive at the blues romp “For Blues Sake”. While not as jubilant as the previous tracks, it is equally emotive and expressive, showcasing Dupree’s mastery of the blues form. However, after this soulful blues piece, the album begins to follow a downward trajectory. The title track “Child’s Play” may be a little too true to form: the piece sounds a bit like a 21st century nursery rhyme melody, but not in a good way. And while “Smooth Sailing” may be a smooth R&B effort, it is lacking in that pizzaz that the albums opening tracks possess. After a couple of bad tracks “Just What You Need” provides a little interest, but in the end, its blend of country and funk just doesn’t sit well on the stomach. The album closes with an instrumental cover of Jerry Jeff Walker’s ballad “Mr. Bojangles”, but for those listeners who are unfamiliar with the original, Dupree’s cover will likely fall flat.
While Dupree’s “Child’s Play” is not without its flaws, it is still a gem of an album, thanks to its first four tracks, which are quite exceptional, to say the least.
Genre: R&B
Artist: Cornell Dupree