Review: The Sully Band ‘Let’s Straighten It Out!’

The Sully Band

By Martine Ehrenclou

Nine-piece R&B/Soul/Blues outfit The Sully Band hits the pavement with their debut album Let’s Straighten It Out! on March 11 via Belly Up Records/Blue Élan Records. Produced by multi Grammy Award-winner Chris Goldsmith (Charlie Musselwhite, Ben Harper, Big Head Todd), their album features 10 classic 60s and 70s soul, blues, funk and R&B tunes. The band is loaded with Grammy Award and Tony Award winners, anchored by Grammy-winning bass player James East (Eric Clapton, Elton John, Michael Jackson.) Let’s Straighten It Out! was recorded at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles over five days with mostly live cuts.

By now, you realize that Let’s Straighten It Out! is going to be good. After winning “Best Live Band” at the 2020 San Diego Music Awards, lead vocalist Bob “Sully” Sullivan and his bluesy, beast of a band are now playing regional and national shows to enthusiastic crowds. This singer has it down, as does the remarkable band that takes on tunes such as Billy Preston’s “Nothing From Nothing”, Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher”, “Hallelujah, I Love Her So” by Ray Charles, and “When The Battle Is Over” by Dr. John & Jessie Hill. The Sully Band takes over the R&B/Soul/Blues scene with layers of horns, guitars, piano, percussion, and more.

These are mighty songs to cover, but you don’t know The Sully Band. At least not yet.

“When The Battle Is Over” kicks off the party with Sully’s compelling, seasoned vocals. And he’s feeling it. And so is the band. Superbly crafted layers of horns and piano ride on tight rhythm as acclaimed San Diego soul singer Rebecca Jade shares vocals with Sully on this toe-tapper. With her lovely and clear voice, Jade is a perfect complement to Sully. Complete with “Hoo-Hoo” sung by backing singers, the rhythm just couldn’t be better. The dance floor is calling with this one.

Lead singer Bob “Sully” Sullivan has an interesting story, and a surprising one considering how good he is. You’d think he’d been fronting a band for most of his life the way he grabs these tunes with both hands, complete with seat-of-the soul vocal phrasing. After trying to get a record deal in his 20’s, he detoured into jobs such as Price Club cashier, self-made entrepreneur and national radio/TV personality, eventually finding his way back to his true love—music. Sometimes it’s all about timing, and the timing is right for Sully and the band.

Delightful horns by sax player Tripp Sprague (Kenny Loggins, The Little River Band, Smokey Robinson) and trumpet player Steve Dillard (Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Righteous Brothers) punch the Shuggie Otis tune “Ice Cold Daydream” as Sully’s smoky vocals with a bite roll in. Bass player East and drummer Tres Hodgens hold down this funky celebration with ease.

This ain’t no cover band, no ordinary one anyway. The interpretations are contemporary, fresh and innovative. “I Wish It Would Rain,” popularized by The Temptations, is a perfect example. The tempo, rhythm and instruments are changed up to reflect a completely different vibe. Lush piano is one of the elements of the hat trick on this tune. Harmonica by Sprague is interspersed with piano (Mark Hattersley) while Sully works his soulful magic on this inventive cover.

The rhythm is ramped up with a syncopated beat on “If You Love Me Like You Say” (covered by Albert Collins). Organ, shuffling drums and horns lay the groundwork for Sully’s vocal greatness. 20-year old guitar sensation Anthony Cullins rips it, a good study of The Ice Man himself.

Most of the tracks are inspired interpretations of classic soul/R&B tunes on Let’s Straighten It Out!. That says a lot about The Sully Band, their debut album, and their future. They are a must-see live.

Listen to “When The Battle Is Over”