After years as a sideman for Texas blues musicians and a session man for Los Angeleno jazz-pop musicians, guitarist
Cal Green had the opportunity to record a second solo album, but his first rooted solidly in the blues, in 1988. Fortunately, the resulting record,
White Pearl, is closer to his Texas roots than the jazz-pop aspirations of his late '60s album Trippin'. There are still some slick surfaces scattered throughout the album, but almost all of the record is nothing but the blues, giving
Green chance to flaunt his chops. His voice isn't particularly strong, but his tasteful playing makes up for any vocal weakness and his stylish, sophisticated playing alone is reason for blues guitar nuts to check out this record. ~ Thom Owens