Paul Reed Smith Band - Time To Testify (2017)

He’s been designing guitars for any number of name guitarists since the 1970s – Carlos Santana, Orianthi and Steven Wilson to name but a few – so it might be no surprise that Paul Reed Smith keeps his hand in with his PRS Band.

‘Time To Testify’ is rather a pleasant surprise (following his previous eponymous album in 2011), and for the most part Paul subjugates his evident guitar prowess to the groove, perhaps best demonstrated on the opener ‘Truth’ll Set You Free’.

Ably aided by vocalist Mia Samone a high standard is maintained throughout and there’s an almost perfect melding of rock and soul with psychedelic flavours. ‘Breathe’ provides a further standout. The band is completed by Michael Ault and Randy Bowland, guitars, and the Grainger twins Gary and Greg on bass and drums respectively.