Review: ‘A Sweet Relief Tribute to Joey Spampinato’

Joey Spampinato, the founding member of rock band NRBQ, is currently struggling with health issues and financial difficulties associated with those health struggles. As such a talented group of musicians have come together to raise funds by showcasing just what an incredible songwriter Spampinato is. The album features artists such as Bonnie Raitt and Los Lobos who both cite Spampinato as an inspiration within their own work. However, it’s Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale’s tribute to the bassist and songwriter that jumps out at me. They cover How Will I Know, originally released in 2013. Their rendition both pays homage to the original whilst making it their own and the pair’s vocals sound great together. Concluding the album is a previously unreleased song performed by Joey Spampinato himself and wife Kami Lyle called First Crush. The vocal melodies are gorgeous, both singers sing almost in a whisper and the arrangement makes it feel quite intimate. All funds from this fabulous album will go to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund which provides financial assistance to musicians who are struggling to make ends meet due to illness or age-related issues.