There’s a real good chance that the targets of this disc’s title — the folks that Mr. Guy wants brought in — are radio programmers. This set feels tailor-made for airplay, with familiar song selections and periodic guest-star appearances that should pique radio interest. Guy’s ability to deliver some fiery guitar-playing on almost every track further seals the deal.
On Bring ‘Em In, Guy is wisely coupled with material well suited for both his voice and his persona, namely old gems like “Cheaper to Keep Her” and the Wilson Pickett classic “Ninety Nine and One Half.” He even bestows a believably serious tone upon hoodoo-hokum master Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You.” An unexpected but successful musical turn comes in Guy’s duet with Tracy Chapman on Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” but not even the addition of retro-soulster Anthony Hamilton can rescue Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay” — the one egg laid here. That track aside, this is an engaging showcase for a still vital bluesman.
This article appears in Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2005.