Robert Finley - Goin' Platinum!

Robert Finley’s story offers a different slant on the theme of blind black musicians.

Following service as a helicopter technician and army bandleader, his failing eyesight reduced Finley to busking; with charitable assistance from the Music Maker Relief Foundation, he caught the ear of The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, who used a top session crew to create the crisp, punchy funk, loping boogies and brooding soul-blues grooves capable of bringing out the full extent of Finley’s talents on Goin’ Platinum!.It needs that level of attention, too: Finley’s majestic gospel-blues voice, rich and powerful, brings to mind an American Tom Jones, boasting a comparably persuasive blend of authority and charm.

One can’t imagine his plea to “Honey, Let Me Stay The Night” being turned down, for instance, while elsewhere his observation that “You don’t have to do right to know somebody’s doin’ you wrong” acquires the ring of authentic soul wisdom. It’s a wonderful album, and further proof that you’re never too old, if you’re good enough.

The Independent UK