West Michigan Blues Society

December 2005 reviews

It's My Soul - Ken Saydak
Godson of Soul - Ellis Hooks
If the Blues Had Wings - Deb Callahan
Alone and Acoustic Delta Soul - Keith B. Brown
All I Found - Debbie Davies
Henry Gray Plays Chicago - Henry Gray

November 2005 reviews

Bywater Dance - Mary Flowers
Jazz Baby Anthology - Various Artists
Metallic Blue Electric - Alex Gomez
Big Mama Thornton in Europe - Big Mama Thornton
Highway Man Live - Tinsley Ellis
Live at the Sierra Nevada Brewery Big Room - Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings

October 2005 reviews

Getting My Groove Back - Elvin Bishop
Anything Can Happen - Magic Slim
The Blues According to Zachariah - Zac Harmon
Overqualified For The Blues - Brian Blain
Hungry Ghosts - Doug Cox & Sam Hurrie
Make a Change Sometime - Nathan James & Ben Hernandez

September 2005 reviews

Chicago Blues Harmonica Project - Various Artists
Just the Way We Like It - Those Delta Rhythm Kings
The Jon Klein Combine - The Jon Klein Combine
The Billy Gibson Band - The Billy Gibson Band
The Legend - Jimmy "T99" Nelson
Let It Loose - Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Right About Love - Renee Austin

August 2005 reviews

Fine! Fine! Thing! - Floyd Dixon
Can't Keep a Good Woman Down! - Sista Monica Parker
A More Perfect Union - Matt Sery
Song Inside Me - Michele Lundeen
Real House Blues - Mojo Stu
Chicago Blues Reunion - Various Artists

July 2005 reviews

Soul Sanctuary - Hollywood Blue Flames
Live and on Fire - The Love Dogs
Lost River Jams - Jeremy Baum
Feels Like Family - Lauren Ellis
Travelin' With the Blues - Tom McFarland
Blues With a Message - Various Artists

June 2005 reviews

Don't Give Up! - Harry Lucas & the Lowdown
Live! Down the Road - Marcia Ball
Candy Lickin' Man - Chico Banks
Nine Lives - Little Charlie & the Nightcats
Monster Love - Joe Moss
Professional Slacker - The Jimmy Griswold Band
Lay My Demons Down - Tommy McCoy
The Ultimate Collection - B.B. King

May 2005 reviews

These Kind of Blues - The Matthew Skoller Band
Rise - Eddie Turner
Knockdown South - Jimbo Mathus
Sean Costello - Sean Costello
Hands Across the Table - Sugar Ray and the Bluetones

April 2005 reviews

Lackawanna Blues - Various artists soundtrack
The Calvin Owens Show - Calvin Owens
About Them Shoes - Hubert Sumlin
Grant Street - Sonny Landreth
From the Dust - Rory Block
Just for a Thrill - Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Make Do with What you Got - Solomon Burke

March 2005 reviews

In a Family Way - Ann Rabson
Soul Shaker - Tommy Castro
Big Smooth - Big Smooth
Friends - Eric Bibb

February 2005 reviews

Is What It Is - Dave Specter & Steve Freund
Blues on the Internet - Detroit Jr.
Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues Show Live - Corky Siegel
Standing Room Only - Roomful of Blues
A Little Trim - The Boogiemen
In Your Arms Again - John Hammond
Deep - Pete "Big Dog" Fetters

January 2005 reviews

Living Legend - Roy Carrier & the Night Rockers
Must Be Jelly - Jelly Roll All-Stars
Sacred Steel Instrumentals - Sacred Steel
True Bliss - Wild T and the Spirit
Play it a Long Time... - Andy Cohen
Live on the Air - Geno Parks
Onyx Root - Michael Powers

Title: Living Legend
Artist: Roy Carrier and the Night Rockers
Label: Severn, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005

Are you ready for some in your face, raw roots zydeco? If you are, then as the bumper sticker says, sit down, shut up and hang on. Roy Carrier and the Night Rockers live up to their name on this 12-track disc. Roy started playing at age 6 along-side his father at house parties and is now the patriarch of his own extended family of zydeco musicians that includes son Chubby. The cd kicks off with a typical Roy Carrier, full tilt swamp stomper, Put a Hump in Your Back. But there's more than just that. This cd will provide listeners with not only some of the greatest zydeco music around, but a look at the roots with a couple of Lala songs (played by just two instruments, fiddle or accordion as the lead accompanied by scrub board). What You Gonna Do With a Man Like That is part of a bridge that connects today's zydeco with yesteryear's roots; much as Roy Carrier is an intricate part of the human bridge that started with Clifton Chenier and Delton Broussard. Move the furniture, roll up the rug and dance the winter away with this Living Legend.

Title: Must Be Jelly
Artist: Jelly Roll All-Stars
Label: Severn, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005

In this day and age of over-processed, over-dubbed, and over-produced music, (Brittany take note), the Jelly Roll All-Stars are like a breath of fresh air. Recorded in one room with no other effects than some slight echo, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Sam Carr, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones and Arthur Williams, along with Jesse Hoggard and Bob Lohr create magic. Stripped-down music that will take you back to the juke joints. Even the cd looks like an old 45 rpm record. This cd is like being in a juke while these legends are playing. Arthur Williams starts things off with a spoken introduction and that leads to Jimmy Reed's Baby Don't Say That No More. Jesse Hoggard shows his writing abilities with King Motel and Arkansas Boogie. This is where is all started and how it started. These gentlemen have lived it and now they pass it on to you in an undiluted, straight ahead fashion that's bound to please everyone.

Title: Sacred Steel Instrumentals
Artist: Sacred Steel
Label: Arhoolie, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005

Praise the Lord and pass the lap steel. Gathered here are the stars of an until recently unknown style of music, Sacred Steel. No Tex, this isn't your pedal steel from your C&W days gone by, this is a traditional style of music that started in church and until people like Robert Randolph and The Campbell Brothers brought it to the concert stage, hasn't been heard outside the those walls. Thankfully this cd is packed with the finest players of that style. From Aubrey Ghent and The Campbell Brothers to Ray Ray Holloman and Lamar Nelson. You'll hear songs you grew up with played in an entirely new way. You'll recognize most if not all of the songs here from Aubry Ghent's Just a Closer Walk With Thee to Wiillie Easton's When The Saints Go Marching In and Dante Harmon's Something's Got a Hold of Me. I've been playing this a lot and it's a nice departure from the everyday 12 bar blues. It's hard to pick a favorite song, but I'd have to say it's Ray Ray Holloman's beautiful version of I Need Thee. Pick this one up and you'll be amazed at the ability of these musicians.

Title: True Bliss
Artist: Wild T and the Spirit
Label: Bullseye Canada, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005

Trinidad-born Wild T (Tony Springer) is building a reputation for himself as the next premier guitarist to emerge from the Canadian music scene. One can't help drawing comparisons to Colin James, Jeff Healy or Lenny Kravitz. Surrounded by a rock-solid band, (Guenther Kapelle-bass, Peter Nunn-keyboards, and Brian Lass-drums) plus guest guitarist Jeff Healy and vocalist Carole Pope, Wild T proves he is not just a flash in the pan. While his vocals seem to be his Achilles heel - not real good, not always on pitch - his writing abilities are a proven factor, having written or co-written 13 of the 14 tracks on this disc. Is this a blues cd, no, but it is musically superior to a lot of others I've heard. It crosses lines into funk, rock, and R&B, with influences of reggae. In the promo pack that accompanied this cd it spoke highly of Wild T's guitar ability during live shows, but it's must be pretty well reined-in here because I only heard little snipets that caught my attention. While songs like All the King's Men have a hard-driving rock beat, and You're the One has a great funky groove and outstanding jazz-inflected guitar work, I found myself distracted by Wild T's very limited vocal range and missed notes. Dangerous might have well been taken from Deep Purple's Burn album. But I will admit that the guitar work on this song is the most and best on the cd. If you focus on everything but his vocals, this cd isn't all that bad, better than some, and not as good as others.

Title: Play It a Long Time
Artist: Andy Cohen
Label: Riverlark Music, 2003
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005

Is there any string instrument that Andy Cohn can't play? This multi-intrumentalist plays 6 and 12 string guitars, fiddle, 5 string banjo, piano, mandolin, autoharp and is the only performing Dolcelist anywhere. Those credits are enough to impress even the most hardcore traditionalist. This cd is a compilation of seven different bodies of work and should be owned by anybody who values the early works of blues legends such as Charlie Patton, Skip James and Rev. Gary Davis. Of the 19 tracks on this cd, the ones featuring the Dolceola, Organ Grinder Swing and Sugar Walks Down the Street are my favorites. While only one of the tracks was written by Cohen, you won't mind. He covers Big Bill Broonzy' Shuffle Rag, Leroy Carr's Wee Midnight Hour, and Barbeque Bob's Mississippi Heavy Water Blues, just to name a few. Cohen is one of the only people I've ever heard who can convincingly pull of a Rev. Gary Davis song and do justice to Davis's unique guitar style. Midway through the cd is Hawkin's Rag, a piano rag written by Ernie Hawkins and Cohen proves that he has mastered yet another style and instrument. This is an outstanding release that I'm happy to say is having an affair with my cd player. So dim the lights, kick back in your recliner and let yourself be transported back to the jukes and street corners of early Memphis.

Title: Live on the Air
Artist: Geno Parks
Label: Eastlawn Records, 2003
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005

Geno Parks has been absent from the music scene for many years. After recording for Detroit's "Big Three" labels (Motown, Fortune, and Golden World) and extensive touring in the 1950's and 60's, Parks set aside his career to raise his family. Now that he's retired and his family is grown, Parks has returned to his second love, music. This three-track cd was recorded live for airing on the Willy Wilson show on WDET-FM in Detroit. Backed by RJ Spangler's Rhythm Rockers (RJ also produced), Parks proves that he hasn't lost much of the pipes that made him famous. Same Thing, That's No Lie and (Night Time Is) The Right Time were tailor-made for Parks' style. I can only hope that this leads to another chance at the career he so willingly gave up for his family.

Title: Onyx Root
Artist: Michael Powers
Label: Baryon Records, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005

This cd came as a surprise to me. I'd known Michael Powers for his jazz guitar work, not really blues. While this isn't strictly a blues cd, it's a good time; jumping from Willie Dixon's Can't Quit You Baby, to the Sir Douglas Quintet hit She's About a Mover, to Leonard Cohen's Bird on a Wire, and back to the 1966 Count Five hit Psychotic Reaction. The fun part of Powers' music is you know the tunes, but he's added his own twist to them. Joined by drummer Steve Jordan, and bass player Neil Jason, with guest Jimi Zhivago (guitar and keyboards), and background vocals supplied by Amy Helm and Fiona McBain, Powers shows his prowness on the fretboard and adds just the right touch of gravel to his vocals. With this eclectic mix of music, Powers and crew move seamlessly from one style to another, showing that they can capture and tame anything they want to. Think of this as just another step in the ever-expanding musical career of Michael Powers.

Title: Is What It Is
Artist: Dave Specter & Steve Freund
Label: Delmark, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005

What you have here is a combined effort by two of Chicago's young lions. Dave Spector and Steve Freund together have more experience backing the blues legends of Chicago than most musicians will gain in a lifetime. But they have since stepped into the rolls of bandleaders, songwriters, producers, and outstanding guitarists in their own right. On this 12-track cd they sound right at home taking turns on lead work while backed by a solid rhythm section. Opening with the Freund-penned shuffle My Little Friend, Spector and Freund trade guitar licks in a call and response style that shows how comfortable these two are playing together. Is What It Is brings B-3 specialist Rob Waters into the mix and his contribution makes the whole thing jell. On George Harrison's My Guitar Gently Weeps, Spector lets his guitar do the talking and showcases his versatility. Riverside Ride has the dynamic duo sliding into a southern funk groove while Albatross leads you on a dreamy laid back trip across some softly floating clouds. An outstanding effort by both players to showcase their talents.

Title: Blues on the Internet
Artist: Detroit Jr.
Label: Delmark, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005

When a person thinks of blues piano legends only a couple of names come to mind and Detroit Jr. is one. At 73, he shows no sign of slowing down. Joined by guitarists Lurrie Bell, Maurice John Vaughn, Jimmy Dawkins, bassist Bob Stroger and drummer Kenny Smith, Detroit Jr. winds his way through the 15 tracks without breaking a sweat. Weak Spot is a grinding "my baby left me" blues song. Love No One But You pines after a lost love with an added brass section featuring both trumpet and sax solos. While this cd breaks no new ground, it's a triumphant exercise in just what good blues should sound like. As a bonus track an interview with Detroit Jr. is added. Pop it into your computer and enjoy.

Title: Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues Show Live
Artist: Corky Siegel
Label: Alligator, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005

Corky Siegel, half of the Seigel-Schwall Blues Band has taken on a very different slant to the fusion of instruments on this live recording. Combining his stunning talent on harmonica with a viola, violin, cello and tabla bring a unique sound to anyone who chooses to listen. The opening track, Opus 17.2 is a collision of classical and blues. Five Planets of Harmonica in Convergence, the second track, is more of the same strange collision course that Siegel took on the opening track. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this cd, but it's not for everyone. If you are looking for straight-ahead blues, move on. If you can appreciate highly talented musicians having fun combining blues and classical, then come on in because you've just hit the mother lode. This is a radical departure for anybody who wants something different. Strangely, I found myself listening to this over and over and picking out the different instruments to focus on. I mean how can you not like a cd that has a song titled The Woofy Girl Stroll.

Title: Standing Room Only
Artist: Roomful of Blues
Label: Alligator, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005

BAM! They're back and stronger than ever. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't like the direction the band took with Mac Odem on vocals, but now that Mark DuFresne is on vocals and harmonica, Roomful is back on track. Always a strong sound with the award-winning horn section, this cd starts out with a bang with the driving She Put a Spell on Me. Boomerang is a hard rockin', horn filled fun fest that will have you up and dancing in a flash. Chris Vechon, long time guitarist, has producing credits on this effort and has done an outstanding job of showcasing each and all while maintaining an even balance. Well Done Chris! This band has an overpowering presence and signature sound that's unmistakable. Just Keep On Rockin' is one example of how great a band this is. Trying to find a favorite song on this cd was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. They are all good, they are all fun and they all have the unique fat driving Roomful sound. Buy it and dance grooves in the floor.

Title: A Little Trim
Artist: The Boogiemen
Label: Model King Records, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005

The Boogiemen are the latest of the jump blues bands to come out of California and try to follow in the footsteps of Rod Piazza and Little Charlie. Too many times bands think that they can measure up and end up falling flat. I'm happy to say that this is the closest I've heard to being a really good jump band in a while. John Flynn handles the guitar duties while Richie Blue covers the harmonica and Mark Cavanaugh takes congas and vocals, with Larry Teves and bass and vocals. Rounding out the rhythm section is Nico Gutierrez on drums. While not vocally a strong band, they more than make up for it with a solid sound and fun lyrics. Blues on the Radio is a lament about not being able to find any blues music on the radio, one that I'm familiar with. Put the Gun Down slides into the vein of a woman scorned, while Last Train Smoking features the harmonica work of Richie Blue. As I said, they aren't going to set the world on fire, but they have a real solid sound and would be a fun band to party with.

Title: In Your Arms Again
Artist: John Hammond
Label: Back Porch, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - February, 2005

After a more than two dozen discs and a distinguished career as one of the foremost interpreters of classic acoustic blues, the turn of the century found John Hammond in danger of becoming a blues museum piece. His discs were all well done, but it was difficult to distinguish any one from the others. That all changed in 2001 with the release of Tom Waits covers, Wicked Grin, which scored him significant cross-over success with its compelling interpretations of numbers that grew up outside the Mississippi delta. He followed that release in 2003 with Ready For Love, which featured not only his first ever self-penned number, but a new-found energy that pushed the tracks beyond mere interpretation. This effort continues the hot streak. With covers by Percy Mayfield, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Reed, Howlin' Wolf, Ray Charles and others, as well as two brand new numbers, this disc bristles with energy. Hammond's well-honed acoustic guitar chops and well-traveled voice propel number after number into a new listening experience. Even numbers like Charles' classic, I Got a Woman, which has received lots of play this year as a result of the terrific movie Ray and its accompanying soundtrack, seem to have a vibrant edge. While too many acoustic guitar blues discs sound much the same from beginning to end, Hammond is by turns a jug band-style National Steel master, a soul cat, a folk balladeer and a gruff, ready-to-rumble bluesman. A great way to start out your blues year.

Title: In a Family Way
Artist: Ann Rabson
Label: Emit Doog Music, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - March, 2005

On her third side trip from her normal gig with Saffire-the Uppity Blues Women, Ann Rabson grabbed her daughter, her sister, her brother-in-law, her nephew and her brother and put together this wide-ranging effort. In the family band's hands, old chestnuts like Ma Rainey's See See Rider, Willie Dixon's Three Hundred Pounds of Joy, Huey "Piano" Smith's Little Chickee Wah Wah and LeRoy Carr's Midnight Hour Blues get off life support and breathe on their own with unique arrangements and instrumentation. While Rabson's trademark wit and barrelhouse piano are present in ample doses, her sister's violin and brother-in-law's trombone add an interesting twist that rescues the disc from plowing old blues ground. In addition to the covers, Rabson has included a number of self-penned numbers that lead the listener through a gamut of emotions from despair, I Can't Get My Mind Off Of You, to anger and disappointment, Blind and double entendre laden exhilaration, I Want to Hop On Your Harley. With mostly pleasing results it appears that if her gig with Saffire ever comes to an end, Rabson can simply gather the clan and never miss a commercial beat.

Title: Soul Shaker
Artist: Tommy Castro
Label: Blind Pig, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - March, 2005

With a host of bona fide blues hits to his credit, Tommy Castro could spend the rest of his career touring and cashing in on the past. He could also follow an all-too-familiar blues tradition of putting out new, but familiar sounding material year after year. Instead of taking these easy paths he has spent the past few years exploring his boundaries - with a self-released covers disc and a high profile collaboration with guitarist Lloyd Jones and harmonica/sax player Jimmy Hall. These side trips appear to have served him well, as he has returned with one of the strongest discs of his career. With a sound that forges the soulful horn vibe of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes with Delbert McClinton-style southern soul and a heavy dose of stinging guitar blues, Castro and his sterling band (Randy McDonald on bass, Keith Crossan on sax and Chris Sandoval on drums), together with a cast of guest stars including Jimmy Pugh (B3 and piano), Roy Rogers (slide guitar) and Renee Austin (vocals) have crafted a disc that is consistently engaging. Leaving the straight blues shuffles to others, Castro and crew take on funk with the bass-driven The Next Right Thing, Delbert McClinton-style blues rock Let's Give Love a Try (which conveniently was co-written by Delbert!), a bit of jazz with the flute-driven Crossanova, steamy soul with the horn-driven ballad Anytime Soon, classic rock with the steady groove of Take Me Off the Road, and even a Dixie-fried bit of Little Feat-style rump shaking with the title track. Don't worry that all this stretching means that Castro has left his guitar in the case. While there are no long-winded solos (and haven't we had enough of those lately??) there's plenty of guitar here, including the driving lead on the aptly titled Wake Up Calf and the slow, scorching No One Left To Lie To, which is a tale of devastating heartbreak and regret. If you're a Tommy Castro fan you'll love this. If you haven't been a fan to date you soon will be.

Title: Big Smooth
Artist: Big Smooth
Label: RKS, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - March, 2005

What can I say about a press pack that comes with basically no information. Big Smooth is a four piece band from Detroit that plays in the Canned Heat vein. Not that that's a bad thing, but it really dates the music. Rockin' Blues is a good thing and these guys seem to have it down pat. They'd be a great party band. This seven-track cd starts out with Walk Right In, Walk Right Out, a hard-drivin' guitar-driven rocker with Steve Mazur burning up the guitar. Early in the Morning is a standard 3/4 time song that's been covered by everybody and their brother, and Big Smooth does nothing to separate itself from the rest of the pack. Satisfy Suzie comes off as the 50's country rocker it is and again the band makes no effort to put its own twist on it. All in all it's not a bad cd, it's just standard formula, nothing special. But they are doing what they love and that counts for everything.

Title: Friends
Artist: Eric Bibb
Label: Telarc, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - March, 2005

Eric Bibb has assembled a stellar cast of musicians to assist him on this 15-track cd. Just to name a few are Charlie Musselwhite, Odetta, Taj Mahal, Guy Davis and more. In my opinion Eric Bibb doesn't need any help, he's a talent to be reckoned with all by himself. 991/2 Won't Do is jump-started by the 12 string wizardry of Guy Davis. Swapping both vocal and guitar duties, Davis and Bibb make this gospel-influenced acoustic song come to life. Charlie Musslewhite lends his distinctive harmonica work to Six O'Clock Blues, making you feel like you're in the middle of a sweaty delta juke. The thing I like about Eric Bibb is his sense of what sounds right. Adding Michael Jerome Browne's violin to the acoustic sounds of Bibb and Taj Mahal on Goin' Down Slow brings the on vision of sittin' on the front porch on a hot lazy summer day. Not one to be happy with traditional instruments, on Lovin' In My Baby's Eyes he invites Mamadou Diabate to join in on the Kora to give this Taj Mahal song its own unique sound. Each of the songs here is his own and they are wonderfully done. Don't pass this cd by, it needs to be in everyone's collection.

Title: Lacawanna Blues
Artist: Various Artists soundtrack
Label: Vanguard, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005

While the HBO movie Lackawanna Blues wasn't really about music, it was about the blues as it affects the people in a rooming house throughout the years. The sad part about sound tracks are that most of the music is featured as background during a club scene or a conversation between principles. Other than Mos Def singing Caldonia, that's where you'll find most of this music. The artists used on this soundtrack are a diverse group, from The Blind Boys of Alabama (Faith and Grace), to Robert Bradley (Dark Road), to the beautiful acoustic instrumental One Dime Blues (Etta Baker). There are drawbacks, such as Macey Gray's duet with Robert Bradley. That woman sounds like she's inhaled helium. But Tommy Tucker's High Heel Sneakers fits to a T. If you saw and enjoyed the movie as I did, then the soundtrack is a must, just so you can hear all the music.

Title: The Calvin Owens Show
Artist: Calvin Owens
Label: Sawdust Alley Records, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005

Big Band Blues at its best! Trumpeter Calvin Owens has put together a sizable blues big band that is nothing short of a joy to listen to. Hucklebuck is a stunning way to open this cd and it's followed by I Gotcha Hoochie Mama with Gloria Edward's swamp-soaked vocals. The Owens/Bert Wills-penned 12-bar shuffle If The Blues Come Roun' complete with Wills' vocals and fiery guitar in the forefront is just another masterpiece. One after another the songs keep rolling with the fattest horn section you'll ever hear. For me this cd is a slice of horn heaven. I've always been a sucker for the big band sounds of Glenn Miller and The Dorsey Brothers from that era and this just fits that mold perfectly. Big, Fat, Bold and Funky are some of the words that come to mind when listening. But it's not all that way, the Owens/Trudy Lynn-penned Mistreat a Good Man is a slow grinding, driving blues song. If you like horn-driven music, then this is a cd that you'll wear out, I know I'm trying.

Title: About Them Shoes
Artist: Hubert Sumlin
Label: Tone Cool/Artemis, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005

While this cd is all covers, who cares! To have Sumlin, who's a page right out of blues history still producing music in 2005 is a blessing. After sharing the spotlight with Howlin' Wolf from 1956 to 1976, it's time for him to step into the limelight. With guests Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, James Cotton, David Maxwell and others, this isn't about them, it's about Sumlin's searing guitar work. His note-bending, deep-tone string sliding is still as fresh and original as it was a half-century ago. While Richards is underused, he still shines on Still a Fool and Little Girl, This is the End, trading licks with Hubert. Clapton's guitar and vocals on I'm Ready and Long-Distance Blues show why he's considered one of the best in the business. The only fault I could find with this cd is that only one track, the last one, features Hubert's vocals. Still everything about this cd is first rate.

Title: Grant Street
Artist: Sonny Landreth
Label: Sugarhill, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005

It shows on Grant Street that Sonny Landreth loves what he does. Backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of David Ranson (bass) and Kenneth Blevins (drums) on this live recording, Landreth coaxes notes from a guitar that nobody else can or should attempt. The music here goes from slinky to sublime to down right hot. Native Stepson, Z. Rider and Pedal to the Metal are all mesmerizing instrumentals showcasing Landreth's never-ending ability to pluck notes out of thin air. While it's not 100% blues, even the person with no knowledge of the guitar will be overwhelmed by the emotions that come from his six strings. While the original blues on here, including Broken Hearted Road and Wind in Denver are first rate, everything builds to a climax with Landreth's signature tune, Congo Square. If you only buy one cd this year, make it this one.

Title: From the Dust
Artist: Rory Block
Label: Telarc, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005

Slide guitar virtuoso Rory Block has taken blues and gospel and combined them to provide a bridge between the "devil's music" and the spiritual hymn. Although this - her second release on Telarc - is basically an acoustic solo cd, you can hear the benefits on some cuts of muti-tracking enhancements, which is not a bad thing. A mix of originals and covers, she chooses to cover Muddy Waters' I Be Bound, Robert Johnson's Stones in My Passway, Charley Patton's From the Dust and Son House's Dry Spell Blues. With the combination of her command of the guitar and sensual breathy vocals, all of these blues masters would be proud of her translation. Runaway Dog is a playful tune about her pet problems and she delves into the seedier side of life on Fargo Baby. After the overwhelming success of her debut cd for Telarc, this effort proves that it wasn't just a fluke, that Block has put together a solid collection that will be spending a considerable amount of time in my player.

Title: Just for a Thrill
Artist: Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Label: Fuel 2000, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005

Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has been tinkering with this band for 16 years. Core members include Albert Lee and Terry Taylor(guitars) Georgie Fame (keyboard), Graham Bond (drums) and Wyman on bass. If you stop and think about it, these guys are among the cream of British blues and R&B, which makes it understandable that this cd is filled with some easy-flowing grooves. The 15 tunes range from boogie to Delta classics, to Motown soul and even (yuck) disco. In a nod to the late Beatle George Harrison (who played on the Rhythm Kings' 2001 cd Double Bill), there is even a cover of Taxman delivered as a tribute. Digging back to the neglected New Orleans gem Down Home Girl, Wyman provides the listener with an eclectic selection of music. Cry Baby brings vocalist Beverly Skeet into the limelight in a tribute to Janis Joplin. Three numbers from Ray Charles include a live, beautifully rearranged Georgia on My Mind, which is a highlight for me. Wyman says he's ending the 16-year run for the Rhythm Kings and if that's so, this is a fitting swan song.

Title: Make Do with What you Got
Artist: Solomon Burke
Label: Shout Factory, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005

Solomon Burke has proclaimed himself the "King of Rock 'n' Soul", and on this cd he upholds that title, no questions asked. At 64, Burke's voice is still capable of the low purrs and keening near-falsetto that he used on a string of hits for Atlantic between 1961 and 1968. It seems that the longer he goes, the more persuasive and versatile he gets. On the opening cut, I Need Your Love in My Life, Burke breathes a zestful life into the stomp, then changes gears as he goes to the "testifying" Let Somebody Love Me and then to The Band's It Makes No Difference. Switching to the gospel country of Hank Williams Sr.'s Wealth Won't Save Your Soul, Burke drives home the point with an organ-driven arrangement. Producer Don Was draws on the classic Stax and Muscle Shoals sounds, using keyboards and guitars to underscore Burke's powerful vocal melodies. In a wonderful follow-up to his Grammy-winning Don't Give Up On Me, Burke proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he doesn't make just music, he makes great music.

Title: These Kind of Blues
Artist: The Matthew Skoller Band
Label: Tongue 'N Groove Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005

Starting things out with the chugging blues rocker, Get Paid, vocalist/harmonica wizard Matthew Skoller serves notice that he's not content to put out anything that resembles the "blues by the numbers" approach of too many contemporary blues bands. Instead, he deftly mixes the traditional musical elements of the blues with lyrics that touch on such diverse topics as not being ashamed of how you make a living, Get Paid, how a few people try to control everything with often disastrous consequences for the rest of us, Handful of People, how living in a connected world can be a constant pain in the butt, Wired, how people get lost and you have a chance to save them, Stolen Thunder, and other songs with socially conscious lyrics. Of course great lyrics don't always make great albums. A leaden musical performance can sink the best of words. That's not a problem here as Skoller and his crack backing outfit, including the legendary Lurrie Bell on guitar have paid just as much attention to the music as the words and have crafted a solid disc of hard core blues and gospel rave ups that includes enough boiling guitar and greasy harmonica to keep even those who don't listen to a single lyric happy.

Title: Rise
Artist: Eddie Turner
Label: Northern Blues, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005

Guitarist Eddie Turner has played with Tracy Nelson, Mother Earth, hard rock outfit Zephyr and, most recently, Otis Taylor. This disc displays the wide variety of chops necessary to hang with such a diverse crowd. While It's Me features more pyrotechnics than many blues fans will appreciate and the high speed rap-like vocals of Gangster of Love are a bit of an acquired taste, the balance of the disc features richly textured cuts that combine Turner's terrific guitar skills with his mostly spoken-word style vocals. Stand out tracks include the trance like title track, the densely atmospheric Secret, the slinky, acoustic The River, the spaghetti-western groove of Resurrection and the spacey cover of Hendrix's The Wind Cries Mary. Those looking for a standard blues shuffle or boogie won't find a lot to like here - and that's mostly a good thing.

Title: Knockdown South
Artist: Jimbo Mathus
Label: Knockdown South Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005

On his third solo disc after a successful original stint as co-leader of the jump/swing/jazz ensemble, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jimbo Mathus digs deep into a trick bag of styles that simultaneously reveal his Clarksdale, Mississippi roots and his constant re-invention of those roots. While he clearly has been bit by the same snake that has induced the likes of the Burnside clan and the North Mississippi All-Stars to jam their way through one primal trance-inducing cut after another, as evidenced by the opening track, Crazy Bout You, the bluesy Mule Plow Line and the organ drenched Rolling Like a Log, he also digs deep into the funky rock of 70's era J. Geils or Exile on Mainstreet-era Stones on the butt-shaking rocker, Let Me Be Your Rocker. The Stones make another stylistic appearance on Skateland Baby, a country rocker which sounds like it came straight from their Some Girls disc. Just when you think you re getting things figured out, Mathus takes a hard left turn into straight honky tonk country with Loving Arms and into Memphis sou1 territory with the sweet horn-laden grooves of Loose Diamonds. He's also not shy about jumplng into the swamp, as evidenced by the dark, percolating Be That Way, which marries a classic CCR groove with the Cajun pop sensibilities of Jumpin' Johnny Sansone. For those who need to boogie, there's the funky Boogie Music and State Line Women. While these stylistic jumps could fall flat in lesser hands, Malthus employs his long history as performer and producer to make it all hang together. Overall, a captivating listen from beginning to end.

Title: Sean Costello
Artist: Sean Costello
Label: Artemis/Tone Cool, 2004
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005

Following a long-term stint as guitarist with Susan Tedeschi's band, Sean Costello struck out on his own and ripped up stages from coast to coast with his guitar pyrotechnics. Yawn, just what we needed: another hot shot kid guitarist. On his Tone Cool Records debut Costello puts all of that behind him with a terrifically crafted, soulful disc that plays in the same part of the street as Tommy Castro's recent release, Soul Shaker.

As Castro did on that disc, Costello uses his guitar to augment rather than totally dominate the songs. Ad for good reason: he's accompanied here by the likes of the legendary Levon Helm on drums, Willie Weeks on bass, Steve Jordon on drums and a cast of horns, keyboards and background singers, all of whom contribute just the right sugar to offset Costello's guitar spice. With self-assured vocals, Costello takes on Al Green's I'm A Ram, Bob Dylan's Simple Twist of Fate, Robert Ward's Peace of Mind and Johnny "Guitar" Watson's I Get a Feeling with enough conviction to make you remember why these were such great tracks in the first place, yet not make you feel the need to run for the originals. The real accomplishment of this disc is just how easily Costello's original numbers stand tall against the gold standard of the covers. If Costello keeps his focus on crafting songs rather than hot-shot guitar solos, he will be in the disk racks for years to come.

Title: Hands Across the Table
Artist: Sugar Ray and the Bluetones
Label: Severn, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005

On his fourth disc after leaving Roomful of Blues in late 1996, Sugar Ray Norcia and his fellow Bluetones are joined by new guitarist Paul Size and two of his former Roomful bandmates, Carl Querfurth and Doug "Mr. Low" James on trombone and saxophone, respectively. The resulting disc is a hard-hitting slice of Chicago-style blues, with some swinging upbeat cuts thrown in for good measure. Featuring plenty of Ray's adept harmonica work and rich, buttery vocals, the 13 cuts collected here harken back to Ray's pre-Roomful days when he was a band leader rather than simply a band member. That's not to say that he hogs the spotlight here; quite the contrary - he simply adds a stylistic focus to the cuts that he had to abandon on much of Roomful's work in order to fit into that band's big band groove. The line up change appears to have energized Ray, as this disc is a vast improvement over his 2003 release featuring Monster Mike Welch, which seems lackadaisical by comparison. Those looking for Ray's stellar harmonica work should go directly to (I'm Gonna Break Into) Folsom Prison, I Done Got Wise, Cloud Cover and Livin' a Lie, while those wanting to check out new guitarist Size's chops should check out the break on That's My Desire as well as the deft solos on Dark Roads Calling and I Won't Leave Home No More. Those with a twinge of nostalgia for Ray's Roomful days would do well to check out I Wanna Marry You Girl and Say You Love Me (Before I Hang Up), which features the buoyant, upbeat groove featured on any number of his recordings with that band. Ray also throws in a finger-popping take on the old Sinatra standard, River Stay Away From My Door, which features greasy trombone accents from Carl Querfurth. It's no stretch at all to say this marks Ray's best work since leaving Roomful.

Title: Don't Give Up!
Artist: Harry Lucas & the Lowdown
Label: Self-release, 2005
Reviewed by: Ed Markosky - June, 2005

Don't give up!, what a great title for this CD. This is the attitude that Harry and the band have always had and after 20 years, the band has had its trials and tribulations. They have kept at it and it really shows on this CD. When Pat Hansen (guitar) and Bob Overholt (drums) came back into the band things started to jump up a couple of notches. Once a great band, they have become a very polished group. This new CD starts out hot and just keeps on boiling. They tried very hard to put something on the recording for everyone and they have succeeded on every level. Guests include Mark Petz (saxophone), James Reeser (harmonica), and Buck "Sweetpea" Robinson (upright bass). Also kudos to Bill Hendriksen and Pete Bass at Soundfield Studios for a great job on the mix. I really liked their last CD - Junkyard Dog, but they outdid themselves on this, their newest release. In the words of the band: "Remember when times get tough and life appears to be too much of a burden to bear, Don't Give Up!" Buy this CD, I give it an A+.

Title: Live! Down the Road
Artist: Marcia Ball
Label: Alligator, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005

All j can say is, it's about time! Marcia Ball has needed a live CD so people who have not seen her live know the fire this woman sings and plays with. Recorded at the Big Room at the Sierra Brewing Company in Chico, California, the recording unlike many live attempts, captures the true sound of Marcia and her band. Just close your eyes and get ready for one of the premier boogie pianists and one of the solidest touring bands around. Hitting the highlights of her studio releases, this live CD starts off with Big Shot, a rousing swamp boogie designed to get you on your feet. With guests Mark Kazanoff and Al Gomez on sax and trumpet respectively, they just add that much more to the already polished band. The Right Tool for the Job stays in the swamp vein and features the outstanding guitar work of Pat Boyak along with Marcia's dead-on keyboard work. Slowing things down, the Duke Robillard-penned Just Kiss Me shows Marcia's ability to sing a slow, grinding torch song. Things pick back up with That's Enough of That Stuff and Louella. Joined by Angela Strehli on her song It Hurts to be in Love, the two lay down some great harmonies. Having seen Marcia Ball many times, I can honestly say that this 14 track CD perfectly captures her vibrant and joyful live performances. If this doesn't make you want to go see her live, then you better check your pulse because you've passed on.

Title: Candy Lickin' Man
Artist: Chico Banks
Label: Self-release, 1997
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005

I wanted to tell you a lot about this CD but I can't. The liner comes with absolutely no information. What I can tell you is that Chico Banks has a winner here. The only place I could find to get this CD is from the website www.chicobanks.com. Filled with Banks's outstanding guitar work and silky smooth vocals, he's having fun here and so should you when you listen. No stranger to Chicago blues, Banks has shared the stage with many luminaries of music and now deserves the spotlight.

Title: Nine Lives
Artist: Little Charlie & the Nightcats
Label: Alligator, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005

Having been together for so many years, what can anyone else add to what's already been said about this band. The lyrics and harmonica work of Rick Estrin and the always amazing guitar work of Charlie Baty. It's all been said and yet they still keep coming up with fresh material on CD after CD. This one is no exception, all the tracks keep the same tongue-in-cheek lyrics of Estrin (who can forget My Next Ex-Wife?). Thirteen tracks of jewels like Keep Your Big Mouth Shut, Got to Have a Job, and Deep Pockets makes this one another in a long line of "must have" CD's from Little Charlie and the boys.

Title: Monster Love
Artist: Joe Moss
Label: 212 Records, 2003
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005

As many of Chicago's finest leave us for a better place, many wonder about the up and coming blues players from Chicago. Well, wonder no more. Joe Moss (brother to Nick) is one of the young stallions that has risen to the task. Monster Love is a funky fat B-3 driven song that sets the pace for the rest of the 13 tracks here. Love My Baby is an infectious Chicago shuffle, followed by Mad, Mad, Mad and it's offbeat rhythms. Not many artists bat 100% in my book, but Joe comes pretty close. Have You Ever Loved a Woman again features the B-3 and the nice touch of Joe's guitar on a slow grinder that makes you want to grab your woman and hit the dance floor. When you listen to this CD you'll know that Chicago blues has a bright future.

Title: Professional Slacker
Artist: The Jimmy Griswold Band
Label: Grizzo Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005

This Connecticut native who now calls Tampa his home is one of those artists begging to burst onto the blues scene. Backed by the rock solid band that consists of Tim Heding (keyboards), Bryan Austin (drums) and bassist extraordinaire Robert "Freighttrain" Parker, Griswold adds Ronnie Dee on sax and Scott Myers on trombone. The opening track, Wrapped Up in His Ego is a funky, syncopated song lamenting the dreaded "Fat Head" syndrome suffered by some of today's artists. Dirt Nap is an uptempo borderline rocker. Never one to stay in the same vein for long, the following track is a laid-back little ditty filled with Griswold's wry sense of humor. While not well known outside of Florida, hopefully this CD will help change that.

Title: Lay My Demons Down
Artist: Tommy McCoy
Label: Green Swamp Records, 2001
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005

As long as we're in Florida, Tommy McCoy's CD warrants a listen. Joined on keyboards by Lucky Peterson, McCoy shows that Florida players have a great amount of soul, too. This 15-track CD travels from laid back grinding blues, Crying Won't Help You, to uptempo almost rockers Ludella, to acoustic gems They Killed That Man Down, and takes a turn at funk with Follow the Rules. I'm sure you'll find this CD an all-around solid effort and won't be disappointed.

Title: The Ultimate Collection
Artist: B.B. King
Label: Geffen Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005

Without a doubt, B.B. King is the most recognized name in the blues music industry and has earned the title "King of the Blues". This isn't the first box set by King, but this is the first single disc set that spans the icon's career. It starts out with the 1951 R&B hit Three O'Clock Blues and 21 tracks later ends with the 2000 release Ten Long Years from his collaboration with Eric Clapton that went on to be a chart-topping platinum selling CD. Filling the tracks in between are some great songs including 1969's The Thrill is Gone and some not great songs like 1973's disco-inspired I Like to Live the Love. But the highs and lows are all part of the entertainer's growth process. You can hear the changes in his guitar solos as he gets bolder and more expansive through the years. His adventurous cross-over experiments like 1987's When Love Comes to Town, with U2. My only disappointment here is that Geffen tried to compact King's expansive career into one CD. In doing so they were forced to exclude some real gems like 1999's tribute to Louis Jordan, Let the Good Times Roll and 2003's collection of standards Reflections. As King's 80th birthday, September 16, 2005, closes in he's still playing 150 dates a year and, while his vocals have become just a little weathered, his vastly influential guitar skills still remain as sharp as ever. He's still a gracious and humble guitar player from Indianola, Mississippi, who in my opinion has always been and always will be the "King of the Blues".

Title: Soul Sanctuary
Artist: Hollywood Blue Flames
Label: Delta Groove, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - July, 2005

This disc matches the surviving members of the Hollywood Fats Band (AI Blake on vocals and harmonica, Richard Innes on drums, Fred Kaplan on piano and organ and Larry Taylor on bass) with hot shot guitarist Kirk "Eli" Fletcher, who has gone from relative obscurity to the top echelon of the blues world over the past couple of years, with his own solo recordings and high profile gigs with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Mannish Boys. While filling in for the immensely talented Fats would cause a lesser talent to overplay his parts in an effort to show himself worthy of the role, Fletcher avoids that trap and, instead, plays with highly skilled restraint. The rest of the band plays with the exuberance of prisoners freed from the shackles of their storied past. Instead of longing for the faded glory days when Fats made them the envy of the West Coast blues scene, they are now free to be in the moment and even create a new history. With top notch takes on jump blues, Nit Wit, down and gritty harmonica blues, Land of Calico, boogie woogie piano blues, Big Foot's Boogie, greasy B-3 driven instrumental blues, Jo Angelyn and acoustic country blues, You're Sweet, this disc has something for everyone. Miss this one at your own risk.

Title: Live and on Fire
Artist: The Love Dogs
Label: T-Ray Records, 2004
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - July, 2005

Recorded live before an adoring audience in their East Coast stomping grounds, this disc represents the Love Dogs at their howling best. Fronted by a top-notch horn section, the band spends the majority of the disc traveling that thin line between blues and jazz. While the lyrics come straight from the "baby's been cheating/ friend's been lying/life is tough" blues verse book, the music has a glorious swing and jazz roots underpinning which finds its way into virtually every cut with the exception of the slow, steamy soul blues of Keep On Lying. What really makes the Dogs stand out from any number of blues bands with a horn section is that they don't simply recycle jump and swing classics in order to show off the horns. Instead they play mostly original tunes by head Dog Eddie "Duato" Scheer and add interesting twists with lots of syncopated percussion, scat vocals and heavy doses of secret weapon Alizon Lissance, who contributes dead-on New Orleans-style piano and accordion as well as slinky late night torch vocals on Only Time Will Tell. With a rollicking set list that surely filled the dance floor throughout the evening, this disc could easily ignite your blues party as well. This is one pack of hounds that you'll be glad found their way into your living room.

Title: Lost River Jams
Artist: Jeremy Baum
Label: Flying Yak Records, 2002
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - July, 2005

With the exception of the B.B. classic Rock Me Baby, which features Bill Perry on vocals, this disc consists entirely of Hammond B3-driven instrumental jams that cover a pretty broad sonic spectrum. Highlights include Libel1y Street, which has a Latin/calypso groove and tasty guitar that wouldn't be out of place on a Santana disc, Oasis Jam which has a cool, almost icy cold feel to it, Stoopid, which dips into light funk, the corectly but goofily named, Bill Showed Up, which features the stinging guitar chops that have sold plenty of discs for Bill Perry over the years, Autumn Leaves, which has a nice contemporary jazz feel to it and Amazing Grace, which is given a simple, straight-forward reading that drips with feeling. Other tracks delve into melancholy blues, Goin' Home, straight shuffle blues, JB Shuffle, which is saved from sliding into oblivion by well-placed tenor sax and guitar breaks, and standard issue blues rock, Rock Me Baby, which features lots of guitar but is otherwise pretty unexceptional when compared to the dozens of covers of this classic. Overall, a safe play if you're looking for a B3 disc that has no mid song surprises or forays into space.

Title: Feels Like Family
Artist: Lauren Ellis
Label: Silverline, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - July, 2005

As much as you might try and pigeon-hole Lauren Ellis's music, it fits in many and almost all categories. From the opening country tinged Dry as a Bone, to the ballad Shades of Blue to the slow funky Just to be with You, to the Alanis Morrisette-style rocker Setting Son, the CD will please any finicky listener. Not only is Ellis a specialist at crafting catchy and thought-provoking lyrics, she is multi-talented on just about any string instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, Dobro, lap steel, and sitar. The Nashville native has brought with her a solid band, borrowing musicians from Lyle Lovett (Viktor Krauss and Dean Parks) Allison Krauss (Kenny Malone) and Nashville's own blues hero Tony Joe White. Combine that with keyboardist Catherine Styron Marx, bassist Ed Cain, drummer Rick Lonow and percussionist Andy Behrens and you have one fine band. Silverline has gone above and beyond with this CD, adding a DVD on the other side that includes videos, photos, interviews, liner notes and lyrics. Great touch to an even greater CD. But don't take my word for it! go buy it and enjoy it yourself.

Title: Travelin' with the Blues
Artist: Tom McFarland
Label: Arhoolie, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - July, 2005

With the untimely passing of Tom McFarland in September of 2004, Arhoolie has re-released his 1977 effort - with the addition of three never-released songs. Tom McFarland wasn't as well known as he should have been and this CD will show you that. Backed by Bobby Broadhead on drums and Steve Ehrmann on bass, McFarland showcases the stripped-down back-to-basics style of blues that was his trademark. Travelin' Man is about being a bluesman and surviving. Gasoline Blues is a tongue and cheek song about the high price of gasoline, but when you really listen, it's about sex. Street Walkin' Woman is about the prostitutes in Oakland where Tom lived for a time. And Blues Up and Gone is a tribute to his wife. All in all it's a pretty laid-back, enjoyable CD.

Title: Blues With a Message
Artist: Various Artists
Label: Arhoolie, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - July, 2005

The blues have never been the same since the late 1950's and early 60's "electric" blues became the rage in Chicago. This CD revisits the country and folk style of blues and will introduce you to some old favorites and some relatively unknown and sadly overlooked artists. Starting off is Sam Chapman's I Have to Paint My Face, an acoustic song that sets the tone for the rest of the CD. Of the 18 tracks on this CD, I can't pick a favorite, they are all a great tribute to the acoustic era. Songs like Mance Lispcomb's Tom Moore's Farm, Fred McDowell's Levee Camp Blues deal with the working conditions of the debt-lien system that was developed after reconstruction. Little-known singers like Essie Jenkins, Willie Easton, Doctor Ross, and Juke Boy Bonner fill this compilation with the haunting sounds of pre-electric blues. While the sound and style of the blues is always evolving, it's CD's like this that we need to promote in order to preserve an important part of an American heritage. Many thanks to Arhoolie for their efforts in this area.

Title: Fine! Fine! Thing!
Artist: Floyd Dixon
Label: Highjohn, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005

On this, his debut CD for the Highjohn Records label, Floyd Dixon steps back into the limelight he should never fallen from. The gifted singer/pianist/songwriter has spent the last few years concentrating on writing, while still giving the occasional live performance and spending time with his family. But,stand up and cheer because Dixon is back in force. Love Oh Love is a slow R&B number with guitarist Johnny Tucker highlighted. Love's the Key teams Dixon with fellow Texan Candye Kane on a song that will have you begging to roll up the carpet and do a fun-filled Texas Two Step. My Wish leans towards the gospel sound and features Dixon and his piano at their best. While pining for the way life used to be, Dixon sings about his family gathering around the piano and singing songs until dawn. The Blues is one of those slow, grinding songs with a full horn section showcasing Dixon's vocals. Known for his songwriting skills, Dixon has crafted a new chapter in his accomplished life.

Title: Can't Keep a Good Woman Down!
Artist: Sista Monica Parker
Label: Mo Muscle, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005

The Lioness of Soul is back!! I last saw Sista Monica Parker at the Kalamazoo Blues Festival and was struck by the power of her performance. Few people knew that at the time she was in between treatments for an aggressive type of cancer. After eighteen months of treatments, surgery, radiation and physical therapy she's back with a vengeance. The title cut, Can't Keep A Good Woman Down is a rocking, funky, driven song with Larry McCray providing the guitar work. Cookin' With Grease is another killer piece which showcases Parker's amazing vocal styling. Of all the 13 tracks, Parker wrote, arranged and produced ten of them along with partner Danny B. Beconcini. Show Me What You're Working With is a shuffle about making her man tow the line or hit the road. No matter how many times I listen to this CD there just isn't a weak song on it. For a woman literally on the brink of death, you'd never know it here. An extremely strong release from a woman with drive to succeed and be second to no one.

Title: A More Perfect Union
Artist: Matt Sery
Label: Riff Rat Records, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005

OK, I had to suppress the urge to run screaming from the room when I saw that they were using a synthesized guitar on this CD. The first track, Find the Truth, is reminiscent of 80's pop band The Talking Heads, complete with David Byrne-sounding vocals. Now I was really scared. What I want to know is who put this on my desk and what did I do wrong to get this? I have a deep respect for people who choose to make a living playing music; it's not an easy road to go. Matt Sery is doing it, singing and writing what is basically Christian music with 80's pop overtones. I've never met him or heard his music before, but while it's not my cup my tea, you can hear the sincerity and a devotion to God which I respect. But, bottom line, it has nothing to do with the blues. Excuse me while I go back to Sista Monica.

Title: Song Inside Me
Artist: Michelle Lundeen
Label: Milestone Music, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005

I had seen the ads for this CD in different magazines and wondered what it was like. Now I know. Backed by a big band complete with B-3 and horns, Michele Lundeen sings the blues. Her styles hit all bases from sultry swamp funk to old-time jazz, to pure gut-bucket blues. She does cover all bases, but there is something lacking and I think it's in the production of the CD. The sound doesn't jump off the CD at you, it's just kinda there. Flat, if you will. VooDoo Man should be a driving tune, but comes off as an uninspiring mish-mash which proves to be a negative to her vocals. I'd really like to see her live; I think this CD has done her a disservice. All Day Blues has a great acoustic guitar and an old-timey feeling. One of the best cuts on the CD, Free At Last, is a rocker that reminded me of The Rolling Stones' Honky Tonk Woman, which is a good thing. Would I recommend this CD; it's a split decision. Yes because of Michele Lundeen's vocals, but no because of poor mixing and mastering that gives the overall sound a tinny quality. Too bad, you can tell she put her heart and soul into this.

Title: Real House Blues
Artist: Mojo Stu
Label: Mudbone Records, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005

It must have been fate that I picked this CD to review next. Mojo Stu (Stu Bryant) knew I needed a healthy dose of acoustic funky blues. What an amazing CD! If you're ever feeling lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut, then you need to listen to this man's music. Its uplifting feel-good vibe can't help but bring a smile to your face. My only complaint - it's too short. When it was over I still wanted more. I wasn't done dancing and humming along with Stu's magical weave of contagious uplifting tunes. Handling all the guitar work (acoustic, electric, slide, and bass), Stu lays down some traditional blues tinged with a multitude of styles. No such thing as a bad song here so don't waste your time looking for one. Production (Mitch Goldfarb) is excellent, allowing the listener to hear each and every nuance of the music and vocals. From the opening track, Leave It Gone to the final cut, Hey, Hey, I was hooked and you will be too.

Title: Chicago Blues Reunion
Artist: Various Artists
Label: Out of the Box Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005

You've heard me say before that a CD contains a who's who of musicians, but I don't know where to start on this one. This CD just about goes beyond comprehension. Barry Goldberg (keyboards/vocals), Harvey Mandel (lead guitar), Nick Gravenites (guitars/vocals), Tracey Nelson (lead/background vocals), Corky Siegal (lead vocals/harmonica), Sam Lay (drums), R. Zach Wagner (rhythm guitar/vocals), Rick Reed (bass guitar), Gary Mallaber (drums). If that isn't strong enough, just add Joe Sublet (tenor & baritone sax) and Darryl Leonard (trumpet). OK, you want more - Barry Goldberg produced it. I don't have enough space to go into the background of these wonderful musicians, but trust me when I say this is a special CD. Recorded live at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, IL, a suburb of Chicago, the recording quality is top notch and the master mix is perfect. In case you haven't had enough, it's a 2 CD set that includes a DVD containing the live concert and interviews with B.B. King, Buddy Guy and more. Talk about sensory overload. Not restricted by studio limitations, the songs are longer than normal jams that spotlight each musician, from the sterling harp solo by Corky Siegel on track 5, GM Boogie. Every track features Harvey Mandel's stinging guitar work. Tracey Nelson belts out a driving version of Walk Away. I could go on and on, but you really need to witness this treasured assembly of musicians yourself. Buy it, Buy it, Buy it!!

Title: Chicago Blues Harmonica Project
Artist: Various Artists
Label: Severn Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - September, 2005

Those of you who think that the harp is a forgotten instrument in Chicago need to buy this CD. Featured are six of the staples of Chicago harp style, including Dusty Brown, Omar Coleman, Russ Green, Larry Cox, Harmonica Khan #1, and Little Addison, backed by the solid rhythm section of Little Frank (guitar), Rick Kreher (guitar), Mark Brumbach (piano), Pat McKeever (bass), and Twist Turner (drums). Many people are under the misconception that since both Sonny Boys and both Walters and Junior Wells are gone that nobody is still playing any harp-driven music anymore. I'm here to tell you that they're wrong. Severn has taken the reins in hand and have produced a winner here. While not household names, they toil away every night sharing their knowledge with both fans and the next generation of Chicago harp players, of which a couple are showcased here. All the players here can stretch notes from top to bottom and make the reeds do things you only read about. But don't listen to me prattle on about this, go buy it!!

Title: Just The Way We Like It
Artist: Those Delta Rhythm Kings
Label: Redink Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - September, 2005

This Lansing-based nine-piece band has a horn section that is straight out of the big band era. Featuring George Hirai (baritone sax), Chad Bennet (tenor sax), Janell Christie (alto sax), and Andy Wilson (trumpet/harp), they provide a perfect background for singer Ray Aleshire. Mike Lynch (keyboard), John Davidson (guitar), Rod Alshire (bass), and drummer Bob Carter round out the all star lineup. I'll admit I'm a sucker for a big fat horn section, but there is more to it than just that. Tasty B-3 work with the solid rhythm section formulate an all-encompassing party sound. On this, their third recording, the Rhythm Kings keep an even keel with covers of big band tunes that are guaranteed to get you on the dance floor. From up-tempo swing numbers to down low slithering swamp boogies, it proves to be their strongest outing yet. The one thing, and it's the only thing that disappoints me on this CD is that it's all covers. I would have liked to have heard some originals. I love their interpretations of classics like Smack Dab in the Middle and Wind Chill, not to mention Don't You Lie to Me. Whoever writes the horn charts has found the perfect balance. The overall mix is perfect and I think using the old Neve mixing board from the Muscle Shoals studio was a outstanding choice. The next time they are in town, do yourself a favor and go enjoy the live sound of a big band with a bright future.

Title: The Jon Klein Combine
Artist: The Jon Klein Combine
Label: D-funkd Records, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - September, 2005

The first thing I thought of when I listened to this CD is it's a cross of The Ramones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Sound Garden. Raw, gutsy vocals laid over guitars set on let's make their ears bleed. Just when I thought it was going to be all like this, track three, Oh No Baby proved to be a pretty bluesy shuffle laced with some nice guitar licks. There is Something on Your Mind is a slow, grinding song with heavy B-3 undertones, a full horn section, and some really nice harp work. The vocals of Jon Klein backed by Matt Klein (guitar/vocals), Steve Linane (guitar), Dave Lepak (bass), and Chris Badami (drums) prove to be a mighty strange trip. Dark disturbing lyrics set over a heavy drum track and blazing guitars. Is it blues? Maybe some, but others have definite punk overtones that I find distracting. I'd like to see this band decide on a style. Too much time is spent trying to prove they can play everything.

Title: The Billy Gibson Band
Artist: The Billy Gibson Band
Label: Inside Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - September, 2005

Horner should make Billy Gibson its poster child. He can make that harp sing. Backed by a great three piece band, Gibson covers the traditional harp-driven music plus some funk on Rudy Toombs' Country Girl, swing on the Gibson-penned What is Love, and solid shuffle on Stingin' Stang. One of my favorite tracks is Love Everybody, a wah-wah infused funk complete with background singers that is right up Gibson's alley. The focal point of the CD is of course, Gibson's harp work which is phenomenal. But the other members can't be over looked either, as each is spotlighted throughout the CD. Gibson does not dominate, but blends smoothly. You can bet the next time I'm in Memphis, I'll be looking for this band.

Title: The Legend
Artist: Jimmy "T99" Nelson
Label: Nettie Marie Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - September, 2005

Following the recipe he successfully used on his 2002 release, Take Your Pick, Houston blues shouter Jimmy Nelson has reassembled the lion's share of the late 80's/early 90's edition of Roomful of Blues (including Duke Robillard on guitar, Sax Gordon on tenor sax, Doug James on baritone sax, Carl Querfurth on trombone, Matt McCabe on piano and Sugar Ray Norcia on harmonica) to back up his Big Joe Turner-inspired vocals. The choice of musicians is natural given their long history of backing such blues luminaries as Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Big Joe, Earl King and others. The "little big band" music featured here comes as naturally to them as Delta blues came to Muddy Waters. But enough about the back-up band, the real star here is Nelson, who is in generally fine vocal form despite the 86 hard years he has under his belt. Having worked with Big Joe, Roy Milton, Joe Liggins, Lowell Fulson and Arnett Cobb through the glory days of the 50's, he picked up the vocal phrasing, technique and swing that made the post-war era of the blues such a dancer's delight. Check out the salacious One Step at a Time, which combines big band swing with sly lyrics about a planned carnal break. While he isn't as quick with a phrase as he once was, he makes up for it with the richness the slower pace adds to his hearty voice. This is music aimed strictly at your feet and butt. That's not to say that every track is an asthma inducing work out. My Woman is a slow number extolling the virtues of a long term relationship. Take a listen and be transported through a rich slice of blues history.

Title: Let It Loose
Artist: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Label: Electro-Fi, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - September, 2005

Kicking things off with the high energy Blackberry Wine, which takes more than a little inspiration from the oft-covered Chicken Shack Boogie, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne rips through thirteen cuts of piano-driven boogie woogie and blues. With stylistic nods to Roosevelt Sykes, Professor Longhair, Amos Milborn and Jay McShann, Wayne takes the listener through New Orleans' second line rhythms and ample doses of Kansas City-inspired swing. While the bulk of the material favors a mid-tempo groove, Wayne slows things way down for the slinky cover of Milborn's Bewildered and his own thoughtful ballad, Wishing Well. A tasty slice of soul blues makes an appearance in the form of Blues Carry Me Home. Those looking for something to crank their party to the next level should head straight to the title cut, which augments Wayne's fleet-fingered keyboard work with greasy saxophone. Overall, the disc is a nice break from guitar-driven blues.

Title: Right About Love
Artist: Renee Austin
Label: Blind Pig, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - September, 2005

With eleven mostly self-penned tracks to showcase her stunning voice, Renee' Austin's sophomore effort on Blind Pig is a glorious trip through road house rock, gospel, western swing and Memphis style blues. Hitting the ground running with the kick butt rocker, Mouth of the Delta, Austin quickly downshifts into a lower gear with the soul infused groover, Harder Than it Has To Be. She then slows things down even further with Right About Love, which is a tender ballad that allows the richness of her voice to work its way into your heart. Just when get all misty eyed about the promise of love, Austin kicks back into her house rocker mode with the scorching reminder that you can't take your belongings with you when you're done here, U-Haul. After finishing that off she romps through a gospel-fueled kiss-off directed at an ex-lover, Thank You Card, a 70's rocker, Meant To Be, a swampy cover of Bobbie Gentry's Bugs, which would evoke a smile on the face of any CCR fan, and even a cover of the Arthur Crudup classic That's All Right. She showcases the lushness of her voice again on Strangers On a Train, which has an urbane Dinah Washington feel and on the western swing-inspired Mister Cowboy, which could tumble off a kd Lang disc. What really sets Austin apart from virtually all her peers is the immense versatility of her voice. Her slow numbers are rich and nuanced, her gospel and swing numbers are nimble and her rockers are throaty and powerful. While any number of singers can work their way through a good ballad or power their way to the front of a stomping rocker, very few can do both as well as Austin. Pick this up and treat yourself to a terrific vocal showcase by an artist who clearly has a bright future ahead of her.

Title: Gettin' My Groove Back
Artist: Elvin Bishop
Label: Blind Pig, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - October, 2005

Okay, for those of you late to class, here's the deal on Elvin Bishop: raised in Tulsa Oklahoma, he took to the blues at an early age. When he moved to Chicago to pursue a college degree he was soon introduced to the Southside blues scene, where he not only learned at the feet of legends such as Little Smokey Smother and Otis Rush, but soon had a fateful meeting with a young Paul Butterfield, which lead to the formation of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Once Michael Bloomfield joined the fold, the band introduced the concept of twin lead guitars and soon proceeded to cut some of the discs that finally brought the blues to a wider white audience, including the self-titled Paul Butterfield Blues Band, East-West and The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw. Bishop eventually took off on his own and put a number of songs on the charts including Travelin' Shoes and Sure Feels Good. In 1975, he scored big with the crossover single, Fooled Around and Fell in Love, which featured future Jefferson Starship vocalist Mickey Thomas on lead vocals. Bishop continued a prolific output of new material through the 70's and 80's, with no new hits and slowed down considerably in the 90's, with only a couple of releases on the Alligator label. Bishop is now ready to jump-start his recording career with this new effort on Blind Pig, which marks his first entry into the recording studio in several years. Unlike too many of his past efforts where his frequent focus on goofy novelty-type tunes and the quest for another crossover hit have masked his considerable talent on both guitar and vocals, this release seems tightly focused and hot-wired into the blues. Kicking things off with the gritty What the Hell Is Going On, Bishop hits a number of blues bases including and Allman Brothers-inspired slide instrumental, Sweet Dreams, the highly funky That's My Thing, Blues Train and Got To Be in New Orleans, and southern fried soul that would fit nicely on a Blind Boys of Alabama disc, I'll Be Glad. Deep John Lee Hooker-style blues make an appearance on Come On Blues, which features plenty of raw guitar and Bishop's desperate plea for the blues to help him make it through a tough spot. Unable to leave without a party, Bishop closes the disc with Party 'Til the Cows Come Home, a jumping little number that lives up to its title. If Bishop ever lost his groove he's got it back big time on thls disc.

Title: Anything Can Happen
Artist: Magic Slim
Label: Blind Pig, 2005
Reviewed by: Mark Smith - October, 2005

This 11-cut live disc recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewery's "Big Room" features straight up, unadorned electric guitar blues. With nothing more than two guitars, a bass and drums, Magic Slim and the latest batch of Teardrops weave that deep, hard-hitting groove that fans of electric Chicago blues love so well. Having stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of the legendary Magic Sam and Hound Dog Taylor in Chicago blues clubs after migrating from Mississippi in the 50's, Slim exudes authenticity regardless of whether he's laying down a slow scorcher like Please Don't Dog Me or Muddy Waters' Still a Fool or filling the dance floor with the shuffle blues of Goin' To Mississippi or Shake It. While numerous performers think that the path to a blues audience is through vintage equipment or note-for-note reverence to the songs of the first generation of bluesmen, Slim knows better. You write your own tunes, tour constantly and work your butt off to capture everyone within the sound of your guitar. This disc features Slim and the Teardrops very hard at work. You can't like traditional Southside electric blues without falling for this release.

Title: The Blues According to Zachariah
Artist: Zac Harmon
Label: Bluestone Records, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - October, 2005

Zac Harmon, winner of the 2004 International Blues Challenge, is no stranger to blues or performing. Harmon grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, honing his musical skills in the church before moving to Los Angeles in 1980. Talented on guitar, keyboard, bass, vocals and songwriting, Harmon was soon working as a studio musician. In 2002, he released a live recording, Live at Babe & Ricky's Inn, that was an electrifying collection of Mississippi blues. Now, on his first studio recording, Harmon carries on where he left off, with nine stunning tracks that feature more of his much under-rated work. He had me from the opening track, the gospel-inspired That Mighty High. Displaying his vocal range and outstanding guitar work throughout all the tracks, Harmon takes the listener from the church to the Delta - all on one CD. Harmon co-wrote six of the tracks, including Sugarman, It's Cool With Me, and That's Why, all rock solid efforts. It's pretty obvious why he won the IBC, and after you listen to this CD it will be as obvious to you why he has a bright future in blues.

Title: Overqualified For The Blues
Artist: Brian Blain
Label: Northern Blues, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - October, 2005

Long-time fixture on the Canadian blues scene, Brian Blain has been joined by a host of collaborators on this CD, including Paul Reddick and Harry Manx. Known for his sly sense of humor in writing about everyday things that happen to us all, Blain starts out with Saab Story - as if you didn't know - about a guy, girl and car. Blues is Hurting laments over the current state of the blues, while Hi-Tech Blues tells the story of everyday trials and tribulations in our modern society. One of the funniest songs here is No More Meetings. Having come from the corporate world and even in the Blues Society, Blain's acidic wit made me laugh out loud. Not to say that the entire CD is light-hearted; he addresses some serious topics as well. Enfant Choisi is a well-crafted song about world peace, and showcases Blain's ability to tackle such subjects with tact and sensitivity. Blain doesn't browbeat you with his ideals, but takes a low-key approach that is very tasty. By all means get ahold of this CD and enjoy it.

Title: Hungry Ghosts
Artist: Doug Cos & Sam Hurrie
Label: Northern Blues, 2005
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - October, 2005

Caution! This CD is for lovers of acoustic folk blues. Renowned Canadian Dobro artist Doug Cox and guitarist Sam Hurrie have created a masterpiece with this CD. Both are virtuosos on their instruments and excel as performers, never trying to out-do one another, but rather converse with their guitars. Opening with a cover of Duane Allman's Little Martha, the duo weave their resonator magic through 13 tracks, all showcasing their talents. Midway through the disk is a stripped-down version of the ballad Great Expectations from the Rolling Stones' 1968 album Beggars Banquet. It was hard to pick any one song as a standout, but one of my favorites is their version of Son House's Grinning In Your Face. This is roots music at its finest and can't, musn't be passed up.

Title: Make a Change Sometime
Artist: Nathan James & Ben Hernandez
Label: Self-released, 2004
Reviewed by: Tim Richards - October, 2005

This seems to be the month for roots acoustic folk blues. I can't speak for you, the readers, but for me, I'm in hawg heaven. This duo has been performing for years, just not together. This is the first CD to combine their talents as songwriters and musicians on these 16 tracks of both traditional and original compositions. James is master of several different-sounding guitars and foot percussion, and Hernandez provides the rhythm by using harmonica, jazz kazoo, spoons, jug and washtub bass. Add in piano, courtesy of guest Gene Taylor of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, the fiddle work of Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), and vocals and harp styles of James Harman, and you've created a real winner.

As the urban legend balloon busters work to confirm or deny post-Katrina horror stories from New Orleans, let us take a good look or, in this case, listen, to the New Orleans to which we are bound by love of good music, good food, productive cultural intersections and happy acceptance of hedonism. The mortar in any comeback is memory. Let us look for happy reminiscences of the Crescent City with which to begin restoration. Yellow Dog Records just released as good and authentic a collection of new New Orleans music as one could want, recorded last May in the Bywater District, rooftops and drowned car tops of which we've all seen a sad documentary quantity. These fourteen songs, five M. Flower originals and nine known numbers from yesteryear arranged by Ms. Flower with that perpetual freshness that always marks New Orleans music, do a good job of taking the listener down there. Though possessed of the relaxed humor and innate, funky rumba rhythm of New Orleans music, Mary Flowers sounds like a serious student of the music, too. Her guitar, lap-slide guitar and vocals are a little too dead on, as if authentic because she's researched and practiced and researched some more, but that's okay, as her familiarity with the sound she seeks here, whether it comes from nature or nurture, has let her put together a great tune list. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave to Me, probably best known from the Jim Kweskin's Jug Band treatment three-plus decades ago and far different here, begins a set that remains syncopated and lively for the length of the CD, even through E.Y. Harburg's Brother, Can You Spare a Dime. The jangle piano bounces off the scraping, heavy strings of her guitar, recorded way out in front of the horns, organ, bass, drums, washboard and/or accordion that all contribute highly individualistic facets to the songs. Just the way it's supposed to be in New Orleans. Just the way it's been. Just the way we want it again.

Title: Jazz Baby Anthology
Artist: Various Artists
Label: Casablanca Kids, 2005
Reviewed by: Arthur Shuey © - November, 2005

Every generation frets about its progeny. Socrates railed against the effete youth of classical Athens. Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" caused their parents sleep loss by their addictions to jazz,

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Home: latest news About the WMBS Buy WMBS items Our Blues calendar Artist information Venue information Member CD reviews Gig & event reviews Things we do Photo Album Old news Guestbook Blues links About us Email us	December 2005 reviews It's My Soul - Ken Saydak Godson of Soul - Ellis Hooks If the Blues Had Wings - Deb Callahan Alone and Acoustic Delta Soul - Keith B. Brown All I Found - Debbie Davies Henry Gray Plays Chicago - Henry Gray November 2005 reviews Bywater Dance - Mary Flowers Jazz Baby Anthology - Various Artists Metallic Blue Electric - Alex Gomez Big Mama Thornton in Europe - Big Mama Thornton Highway Man Live - Tinsley Ellis Live at the Sierra Nevada Brewery Big Room - Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings October 2005 reviews Getting My Groove Back - Elvin Bishop Anything Can Happen - Magic Slim The Blues According to Zachariah - Zac Harmon Overqualified For The Blues - Brian Blain Hungry Ghosts - Doug Cox & Sam Hurrie Make a Change Sometime - Nathan James & Ben Hernandez September 2005 reviews Chicago Blues Harmonica Project - Various Artists Just the Way We Like It - Those Delta Rhythm Kings The Jon Klein Combine - The Jon Klein Combine The Billy Gibson Band - The Billy Gibson Band The Legend - Jimmy "T99" Nelson Let It Loose - Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne Right About Love - Renee Austin August 2005 reviews Fine! Fine! Thing! - Floyd Dixon Can't Keep a Good Woman Down! - Sista Monica Parker A More Perfect Union - Matt Sery Song Inside Me - Michele Lundeen Real House Blues - Mojo Stu Chicago Blues Reunion - Various Artists July 2005 reviews Soul Sanctuary - Hollywood Blue Flames Live and on Fire - The Love Dogs Lost River Jams - Jeremy Baum Feels Like Family - Lauren Ellis Travelin' With the Blues - Tom McFarland Blues With a Message - Various Artists June 2005 reviews Don't Give Up! - Harry Lucas & the Lowdown Live! Down the Road - Marcia Ball Candy Lickin' Man - Chico Banks Nine Lives - Little Charlie & the Nightcats Monster Love - Joe Moss Professional Slacker - The Jimmy Griswold Band Lay My Demons Down - Tommy McCoy The Ultimate Collection - B.B. King May 2005 reviews These Kind of Blues - The Matthew Skoller Band Rise - Eddie Turner Knockdown South - Jimbo Mathus Sean Costello - Sean Costello Hands Across the Table - Sugar Ray and the Bluetones April 2005 reviews Lackawanna Blues - Various artists soundtrack The Calvin Owens Show - Calvin Owens About Them Shoes - Hubert Sumlin Grant Street - Sonny Landreth From the Dust - Rory Block Just for a Thrill - Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Make Do with What you Got - Solomon Burke March 2005 reviews In a Family Way - Ann Rabson Soul Shaker - Tommy Castro Big Smooth - Big Smooth Friends - Eric Bibb February 2005 reviews Is What It Is - Dave Specter & Steve Freund Blues on the Internet - Detroit Jr. Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues Show Live - Corky Siegel Standing Room Only - Roomful of Blues A Little Trim - The Boogiemen In Your Arms Again - John Hammond Deep - Pete "Big Dog" Fetters January 2005 reviews Living Legend - Roy Carrier & the Night Rockers Must Be Jelly - Jelly Roll All-Stars Sacred Steel Instrumentals - Sacred Steel True Bliss - Wild T and the Spirit Play it a Long Time... - Andy Cohen Live on the Air - Geno Parks Onyx Root - Michael Powers back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Living Legend Artist: Roy Carrier and the Night Rockers Label: Severn, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005 Are you ready for some in your face, raw roots zydeco? If you are, then as the bumper sticker says, sit down, shut up and hang on. Roy Carrier and the Night Rockers live up to their name on this 12-track disc. Roy started playing at age 6 along-side his father at house parties and is now the patriarch of his own extended family of zydeco musicians that includes son Chubby. The cd kicks off with a typical Roy Carrier, full tilt swamp stomper, Put a Hump in Your Back. But there's more than just that. This cd will provide listeners with not only some of the greatest zydeco music around, but a look at the roots with a couple of Lala songs (played by just two instruments, fiddle or accordion as the lead accompanied by scrub board). What You Gonna Do With a Man Like That is part of a bridge that connects today's zydeco with yesteryear's roots; much as Roy Carrier is an intricate part of the human bridge that started with Clifton Chenier and Delton Broussard. Move the furniture, roll up the rug and dance the winter away with this Living Legend. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Must Be Jelly Artist: Jelly Roll All-Stars Label: Severn, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005 In this day and age of over-processed, over-dubbed, and over-produced music, (Brittany take note), the Jelly Roll All-Stars are like a breath of fresh air. Recorded in one room with no other effects than some slight echo, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Sam Carr, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones and Arthur Williams, along with Jesse Hoggard and Bob Lohr create magic. Stripped-down music that will take you back to the juke joints. Even the cd looks like an old 45 rpm record. This cd is like being in a juke while these legends are playing. Arthur Williams starts things off with a spoken introduction and that leads to Jimmy Reed's Baby Don't Say That No More. Jesse Hoggard shows his writing abilities with King Motel and Arkansas Boogie. This is where is all started and how it started. These gentlemen have lived it and now they pass it on to you in an undiluted, straight ahead fashion that's bound to please everyone. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Sacred Steel Instrumentals Artist: Sacred Steel Label: Arhoolie, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005 Praise the Lord and pass the lap steel. Gathered here are the stars of an until recently unknown style of music, Sacred Steel. No Tex, this isn't your pedal steel from your C&W days gone by, this is a traditional style of music that started in church and until people like Robert Randolph and The Campbell Brothers brought it to the concert stage, hasn't been heard outside the those walls. Thankfully this cd is packed with the finest players of that style. From Aubrey Ghent and The Campbell Brothers to Ray Ray Holloman and Lamar Nelson. You'll hear songs you grew up with played in an entirely new way. You'll recognize most if not all of the songs here from Aubry Ghent's Just a Closer Walk With Thee to Wiillie Easton's When The Saints Go Marching In and Dante Harmon's Something's Got a Hold of Me. I've been playing this a lot and it's a nice departure from the everyday 12 bar blues. It's hard to pick a favorite song, but I'd have to say it's Ray Ray Holloman's beautiful version of I Need Thee. Pick this one up and you'll be amazed at the ability of these musicians. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: True Bliss Artist: Wild T and the Spirit Label: Bullseye Canada, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005 Trinidad-born Wild T (Tony Springer) is building a reputation for himself as the next premier guitarist to emerge from the Canadian music scene. One can't help drawing comparisons to Colin James, Jeff Healy or Lenny Kravitz. Surrounded by a rock-solid band, (Guenther Kapelle-bass, Peter Nunn-keyboards, and Brian Lass-drums) plus guest guitarist Jeff Healy and vocalist Carole Pope, Wild T proves he is not just a flash in the pan. While his vocals seem to be his Achilles heel - not real good, not always on pitch - his writing abilities are a proven factor, having written or co-written 13 of the 14 tracks on this disc. Is this a blues cd, no, but it is musically superior to a lot of others I've heard. It crosses lines into funk, rock, and R&B, with influences of reggae. In the promo pack that accompanied this cd it spoke highly of Wild T's guitar ability during live shows, but it's must be pretty well reined-in here because I only heard little snipets that caught my attention. While songs like All the King's Men have a hard-driving rock beat, and You're the One has a great funky groove and outstanding jazz-inflected guitar work, I found myself distracted by Wild T's very limited vocal range and missed notes. Dangerous might have well been taken from Deep Purple's Burn album. But I will admit that the guitar work on this song is the most and best on the cd. If you focus on everything but his vocals, this cd isn't all that bad, better than some, and not as good as others. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Play It a Long Time Artist: Andy Cohen Label: Riverlark Music, 2003 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005 Is there any string instrument that Andy Cohn can't play? This multi-intrumentalist plays 6 and 12 string guitars, fiddle, 5 string banjo, piano, mandolin, autoharp and is the only performing Dolcelist anywhere. Those credits are enough to impress even the most hardcore traditionalist. This cd is a compilation of seven different bodies of work and should be owned by anybody who values the early works of blues legends such as Charlie Patton, Skip James and Rev. Gary Davis. Of the 19 tracks on this cd, the ones featuring the Dolceola, Organ Grinder Swing and Sugar Walks Down the Street are my favorites. While only one of the tracks was written by Cohen, you won't mind. He covers Big Bill Broonzy' Shuffle Rag, Leroy Carr's Wee Midnight Hour, and Barbeque Bob's Mississippi Heavy Water Blues, just to name a few. Cohen is one of the only people I've ever heard who can convincingly pull of a Rev. Gary Davis song and do justice to Davis's unique guitar style. Midway through the cd is Hawkin's Rag, a piano rag written by Ernie Hawkins and Cohen proves that he has mastered yet another style and instrument. This is an outstanding release that I'm happy to say is having an affair with my cd player. So dim the lights, kick back in your recliner and let yourself be transported back to the jukes and street corners of early Memphis. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Live on the Air Artist: Geno Parks Label: Eastlawn Records, 2003 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005 Geno Parks has been absent from the music scene for many years. After recording for Detroit's "Big Three" labels (Motown, Fortune, and Golden World) and extensive touring in the 1950's and 60's, Parks set aside his career to raise his family. Now that he's retired and his family is grown, Parks has returned to his second love, music. This three-track cd was recorded live for airing on the Willy Wilson show on WDET-FM in Detroit. Backed by RJ Spangler's Rhythm Rockers (RJ also produced), Parks proves that he hasn't lost much of the pipes that made him famous. Same Thing, That's No Lie and (Night Time Is) The Right Time were tailor-made for Parks' style. I can only hope that this leads to another chance at the career he so willingly gave up for his family. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Onyx Root Artist: Michael Powers Label: Baryon Records, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - January, 2005 This cd came as a surprise to me. I'd known Michael Powers for his jazz guitar work, not really blues. While this isn't strictly a blues cd, it's a good time; jumping from Willie Dixon's Can't Quit You Baby, to the Sir Douglas Quintet hit She's About a Mover, to Leonard Cohen's Bird on a Wire, and back to the 1966 Count Five hit Psychotic Reaction. The fun part of Powers' music is you know the tunes, but he's added his own twist to them. Joined by drummer Steve Jordan, and bass player Neil Jason, with guest Jimi Zhivago (guitar and keyboards), and background vocals supplied by Amy Helm and Fiona McBain, Powers shows his prowness on the fretboard and adds just the right touch of gravel to his vocals. With this eclectic mix of music, Powers and crew move seamlessly from one style to another, showing that they can capture and tame anything they want to. Think of this as just another step in the ever-expanding musical career of Michael Powers. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Is What It Is Artist: Dave Specter & Steve Freund Label: Delmark, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005 What you have here is a combined effort by two of Chicago's young lions. Dave Spector and Steve Freund together have more experience backing the blues legends of Chicago than most musicians will gain in a lifetime. But they have since stepped into the rolls of bandleaders, songwriters, producers, and outstanding guitarists in their own right. On this 12-track cd they sound right at home taking turns on lead work while backed by a solid rhythm section. Opening with the Freund-penned shuffle My Little Friend, Spector and Freund trade guitar licks in a call and response style that shows how comfortable these two are playing together. Is What It Is brings B-3 specialist Rob Waters into the mix and his contribution makes the whole thing jell. On George Harrison's My Guitar Gently Weeps, Spector lets his guitar do the talking and showcases his versatility. Riverside Ride has the dynamic duo sliding into a southern funk groove while Albatross leads you on a dreamy laid back trip across some softly floating clouds. An outstanding effort by both players to showcase their talents. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Blues on the Internet Artist: Detroit Jr. Label: Delmark, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005 When a person thinks of blues piano legends only a couple of names come to mind and Detroit Jr. is one. At 73, he shows no sign of slowing down. Joined by guitarists Lurrie Bell, Maurice John Vaughn, Jimmy Dawkins, bassist Bob Stroger and drummer Kenny Smith, Detroit Jr. winds his way through the 15 tracks without breaking a sweat. Weak Spot is a grinding "my baby left me" blues song. Love No One But You pines after a lost love with an added brass section featuring both trumpet and sax solos. While this cd breaks no new ground, it's a triumphant exercise in just what good blues should sound like. As a bonus track an interview with Detroit Jr. is added. Pop it into your computer and enjoy. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues Show Live Artist: Corky Siegel Label: Alligator, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005 Corky Siegel, half of the Seigel-Schwall Blues Band has taken on a very different slant to the fusion of instruments on this live recording. Combining his stunning talent on harmonica with a viola, violin, cello and tabla bring a unique sound to anyone who chooses to listen. The opening track, Opus 17.2 is a collision of classical and blues. Five Planets of Harmonica in Convergence, the second track, is more of the same strange collision course that Siegel took on the opening track. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this cd, but it's not for everyone. If you are looking for straight-ahead blues, move on. If you can appreciate highly talented musicians having fun combining blues and classical, then come on in because you've just hit the mother lode. This is a radical departure for anybody who wants something different. Strangely, I found myself listening to this over and over and picking out the different instruments to focus on. I mean how can you not like a cd that has a song titled The Woofy Girl Stroll. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Standing Room Only Artist: Roomful of Blues Label: Alligator, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005 BAM! They're back and stronger than ever. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't like the direction the band took with Mac Odem on vocals, but now that Mark DuFresne is on vocals and harmonica, Roomful is back on track. Always a strong sound with the award-winning horn section, this cd starts out with a bang with the driving She Put a Spell on Me. Boomerang is a hard rockin', horn filled fun fest that will have you up and dancing in a flash. Chris Vechon, long time guitarist, has producing credits on this effort and has done an outstanding job of showcasing each and all while maintaining an even balance. Well Done Chris! This band has an overpowering presence and signature sound that's unmistakable. Just Keep On Rockin' is one example of how great a band this is. Trying to find a favorite song on this cd was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. They are all good, they are all fun and they all have the unique fat driving Roomful sound. Buy it and dance grooves in the floor. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: A Little Trim Artist: The Boogiemen Label: Model King Records, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - February, 2005 The Boogiemen are the latest of the jump blues bands to come out of California and try to follow in the footsteps of Rod Piazza and Little Charlie. Too many times bands think that they can measure up and end up falling flat. I'm happy to say that this is the closest I've heard to being a really good jump band in a while. John Flynn handles the guitar duties while Richie Blue covers the harmonica and Mark Cavanaugh takes congas and vocals, with Larry Teves and bass and vocals. Rounding out the rhythm section is Nico Gutierrez on drums. While not vocally a strong band, they more than make up for it with a solid sound and fun lyrics. Blues on the Radio is a lament about not being able to find any blues music on the radio, one that I'm familiar with. Put the Gun Down slides into the vein of a woman scorned, while Last Train Smoking features the harmonica work of Richie Blue. As I said, they aren't going to set the world on fire, but they have a real solid sound and would be a fun band to party with. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: In Your Arms Again Artist: John Hammond Label: Back Porch, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - February, 2005 After a more than two dozen discs and a distinguished career as one of the foremost interpreters of classic acoustic blues, the turn of the century found John Hammond in danger of becoming a blues museum piece. His discs were all well done, but it was difficult to distinguish any one from the others. That all changed in 2001 with the release of Tom Waits covers, Wicked Grin, which scored him significant cross-over success with its compelling interpretations of numbers that grew up outside the Mississippi delta. He followed that release in 2003 with Ready For Love, which featured not only his first ever self-penned number, but a new-found energy that pushed the tracks beyond mere interpretation. This effort continues the hot streak. With covers by Percy Mayfield, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Reed, Howlin' Wolf, Ray Charles and others, as well as two brand new numbers, this disc bristles with energy. Hammond's well-honed acoustic guitar chops and well-traveled voice propel number after number into a new listening experience. Even numbers like Charles' classic, I Got a Woman, which has received lots of play this year as a result of the terrific movie Ray and its accompanying soundtrack, seem to have a vibrant edge. While too many acoustic guitar blues discs sound much the same from beginning to end, Hammond is by turns a jug band-style National Steel master, a soul cat, a folk balladeer and a gruff, ready-to-rumble bluesman. A great way to start out your blues year. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: In a Family Way Artist: Ann Rabson Label: Emit Doog Music, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - March, 2005 On her third side trip from her normal gig with Saffire-the Uppity Blues Women, Ann Rabson grabbed her daughter, her sister, her brother-in-law, her nephew and her brother and put together this wide-ranging effort. In the family band's hands, old chestnuts like Ma Rainey's See See Rider, Willie Dixon's Three Hundred Pounds of Joy, Huey "Piano" Smith's Little Chickee Wah Wah and LeRoy Carr's Midnight Hour Blues get off life support and breathe on their own with unique arrangements and instrumentation. While Rabson's trademark wit and barrelhouse piano are present in ample doses, her sister's violin and brother-in-law's trombone add an interesting twist that rescues the disc from plowing old blues ground. In addition to the covers, Rabson has included a number of self-penned numbers that lead the listener through a gamut of emotions from despair, I Can't Get My Mind Off Of You, to anger and disappointment, Blind and double entendre laden exhilaration, I Want to Hop On Your Harley. With mostly pleasing results it appears that if her gig with Saffire ever comes to an end, Rabson can simply gather the clan and never miss a commercial beat. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Soul Shaker Artist: Tommy Castro Label: Blind Pig, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - March, 2005 With a host of bona fide blues hits to his credit, Tommy Castro could spend the rest of his career touring and cashing in on the past. He could also follow an all-too-familiar blues tradition of putting out new, but familiar sounding material year after year. Instead of taking these easy paths he has spent the past few years exploring his boundaries - with a self-released covers disc and a high profile collaboration with guitarist Lloyd Jones and harmonica/sax player Jimmy Hall. These side trips appear to have served him well, as he has returned with one of the strongest discs of his career. With a sound that forges the soulful horn vibe of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes with Delbert McClinton-style southern soul and a heavy dose of stinging guitar blues, Castro and his sterling band (Randy McDonald on bass, Keith Crossan on sax and Chris Sandoval on drums), together with a cast of guest stars including Jimmy Pugh (B3 and piano), Roy Rogers (slide guitar) and Renee Austin (vocals) have crafted a disc that is consistently engaging. Leaving the straight blues shuffles to others, Castro and crew take on funk with the bass-driven The Next Right Thing, Delbert McClinton-style blues rock Let's Give Love a Try (which conveniently was co-written by Delbert!), a bit of jazz with the flute-driven Crossanova, steamy soul with the horn-driven ballad Anytime Soon, classic rock with the steady groove of Take Me Off the Road, and even a Dixie-fried bit of Little Feat-style rump shaking with the title track. Don't worry that all this stretching means that Castro has left his guitar in the case. While there are no long-winded solos (and haven't we had enough of those lately??) there's plenty of guitar here, including the driving lead on the aptly titled Wake Up Calf and the slow, scorching No One Left To Lie To, which is a tale of devastating heartbreak and regret. If you're a Tommy Castro fan you'll love this. If you haven't been a fan to date you soon will be. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Big Smooth Artist: Big Smooth Label: RKS, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - March, 2005 What can I say about a press pack that comes with basically no information. Big Smooth is a four piece band from Detroit that plays in the Canned Heat vein. Not that that's a bad thing, but it really dates the music. Rockin' Blues is a good thing and these guys seem to have it down pat. They'd be a great party band. This seven-track cd starts out with Walk Right In, Walk Right Out, a hard-drivin' guitar-driven rocker with Steve Mazur burning up the guitar. Early in the Morning is a standard 3/4 time song that's been covered by everybody and their brother, and Big Smooth does nothing to separate itself from the rest of the pack. Satisfy Suzie comes off as the 50's country rocker it is and again the band makes no effort to put its own twist on it. All in all it's not a bad cd, it's just standard formula, nothing special. But they are doing what they love and that counts for everything. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Friends Artist: Eric Bibb Label: Telarc, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - March, 2005 Eric Bibb has assembled a stellar cast of musicians to assist him on this 15-track cd. Just to name a few are Charlie Musselwhite, Odetta, Taj Mahal, Guy Davis and more. In my opinion Eric Bibb doesn't need any help, he's a talent to be reckoned with all by himself. 991/2 Won't Do is jump-started by the 12 string wizardry of Guy Davis. Swapping both vocal and guitar duties, Davis and Bibb make this gospel-influenced acoustic song come to life. Charlie Musslewhite lends his distinctive harmonica work to Six O'Clock Blues, making you feel like you're in the middle of a sweaty delta juke. The thing I like about Eric Bibb is his sense of what sounds right. Adding Michael Jerome Browne's violin to the acoustic sounds of Bibb and Taj Mahal on Goin' Down Slow brings the on vision of sittin' on the front porch on a hot lazy summer day. Not one to be happy with traditional instruments, on Lovin' In My Baby's Eyes he invites Mamadou Diabate to join in on the Kora to give this Taj Mahal song its own unique sound. Each of the songs here is his own and they are wonderfully done. Don't pass this cd by, it needs to be in everyone's collection. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Lacawanna Blues Artist: Various Artists soundtrack Label: Vanguard, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005 While the HBO movie Lackawanna Blues wasn't really about music, it was about the blues as it affects the people in a rooming house throughout the years. The sad part about sound tracks are that most of the music is featured as background during a club scene or a conversation between principles. Other than Mos Def singing Caldonia, that's where you'll find most of this music. The artists used on this soundtrack are a diverse group, from The Blind Boys of Alabama (Faith and Grace), to Robert Bradley (Dark Road), to the beautiful acoustic instrumental One Dime Blues (Etta Baker). There are drawbacks, such as Macey Gray's duet with Robert Bradley. That woman sounds like she's inhaled helium. But Tommy Tucker's High Heel Sneakers fits to a T. If you saw and enjoyed the movie as I did, then the soundtrack is a must, just so you can hear all the music. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: The Calvin Owens Show Artist: Calvin Owens Label: Sawdust Alley Records, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005 Big Band Blues at its best! Trumpeter Calvin Owens has put together a sizable blues big band that is nothing short of a joy to listen to. Hucklebuck is a stunning way to open this cd and it's followed by I Gotcha Hoochie Mama with Gloria Edward's swamp-soaked vocals. The Owens/Bert Wills-penned 12-bar shuffle If The Blues Come Roun' complete with Wills' vocals and fiery guitar in the forefront is just another masterpiece. One after another the songs keep rolling with the fattest horn section you'll ever hear. For me this cd is a slice of horn heaven. I've always been a sucker for the big band sounds of Glenn Miller and The Dorsey Brothers from that era and this just fits that mold perfectly. Big, Fat, Bold and Funky are some of the words that come to mind when listening. But it's not all that way, the Owens/Trudy Lynn-penned Mistreat a Good Man is a slow grinding, driving blues song. If you like horn-driven music, then this is a cd that you'll wear out, I know I'm trying. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: About Them Shoes Artist: Hubert Sumlin Label: Tone Cool/Artemis, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005 While this cd is all covers, who cares! To have Sumlin, who's a page right out of blues history still producing music in 2005 is a blessing. After sharing the spotlight with Howlin' Wolf from 1956 to 1976, it's time for him to step into the limelight. With guests Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, James Cotton, David Maxwell and others, this isn't about them, it's about Sumlin's searing guitar work. His note-bending, deep-tone string sliding is still as fresh and original as it was a half-century ago. While Richards is underused, he still shines on Still a Fool and Little Girl, This is the End, trading licks with Hubert. Clapton's guitar and vocals on I'm Ready and Long-Distance Blues show why he's considered one of the best in the business. The only fault I could find with this cd is that only one track, the last one, features Hubert's vocals. Still everything about this cd is first rate. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Grant Street Artist: Sonny Landreth Label: Sugarhill, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005 It shows on Grant Street that Sonny Landreth loves what he does. Backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of David Ranson (bass) and Kenneth Blevins (drums) on this live recording, Landreth coaxes notes from a guitar that nobody else can or should attempt. The music here goes from slinky to sublime to down right hot. Native Stepson, Z. Rider and Pedal to the Metal are all mesmerizing instrumentals showcasing Landreth's never-ending ability to pluck notes out of thin air. While it's not 100% blues, even the person with no knowledge of the guitar will be overwhelmed by the emotions that come from his six strings. While the original blues on here, including Broken Hearted Road and Wind in Denver are first rate, everything builds to a climax with Landreth's signature tune, Congo Square. If you only buy one cd this year, make it this one. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: From the Dust Artist: Rory Block Label: Telarc, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005 Slide guitar virtuoso Rory Block has taken blues and gospel and combined them to provide a bridge between the "devil's music" and the spiritual hymn. Although this - her second release on Telarc - is basically an acoustic solo cd, you can hear the benefits on some cuts of muti-tracking enhancements, which is not a bad thing. A mix of originals and covers, she chooses to cover Muddy Waters' I Be Bound, Robert Johnson's Stones in My Passway, Charley Patton's From the Dust and Son House's Dry Spell Blues. With the combination of her command of the guitar and sensual breathy vocals, all of these blues masters would be proud of her translation. Runaway Dog is a playful tune about her pet problems and she delves into the seedier side of life on Fargo Baby. After the overwhelming success of her debut cd for Telarc, this effort proves that it wasn't just a fluke, that Block has put together a solid collection that will be spending a considerable amount of time in my player. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Just for a Thrill Artist: Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Label: Fuel 2000, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005 Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has been tinkering with this band for 16 years. Core members include Albert Lee and Terry Taylor(guitars) Georgie Fame (keyboard), Graham Bond (drums) and Wyman on bass. If you stop and think about it, these guys are among the cream of British blues and R&B, which makes it understandable that this cd is filled with some easy-flowing grooves. The 15 tunes range from boogie to Delta classics, to Motown soul and even (yuck) disco. In a nod to the late Beatle George Harrison (who played on the Rhythm Kings' 2001 cd Double Bill), there is even a cover of Taxman delivered as a tribute. Digging back to the neglected New Orleans gem Down Home Girl, Wyman provides the listener with an eclectic selection of music. Cry Baby brings vocalist Beverly Skeet into the limelight in a tribute to Janis Joplin. Three numbers from Ray Charles include a live, beautifully rearranged Georgia on My Mind, which is a highlight for me. Wyman says he's ending the 16-year run for the Rhythm Kings and if that's so, this is a fitting swan song. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Make Do with What you Got Artist: Solomon Burke Label: Shout Factory, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - April, 2005 Solomon Burke has proclaimed himself the "King of Rock 'n' Soul", and on this cd he upholds that title, no questions asked. At 64, Burke's voice is still capable of the low purrs and keening near-falsetto that he used on a string of hits for Atlantic between 1961 and 1968. It seems that the longer he goes, the more persuasive and versatile he gets. On the opening cut, I Need Your Love in My Life, Burke breathes a zestful life into the stomp, then changes gears as he goes to the "testifying" Let Somebody Love Me and then to The Band's It Makes No Difference. Switching to the gospel country of Hank Williams Sr.'s Wealth Won't Save Your Soul, Burke drives home the point with an organ-driven arrangement. Producer Don Was draws on the classic Stax and Muscle Shoals sounds, using keyboards and guitars to underscore Burke's powerful vocal melodies. In a wonderful follow-up to his Grammy-winning Don't Give Up On Me, Burke proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he doesn't make just music, he makes great music. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: These Kind of Blues Artist: The Matthew Skoller Band Label: Tongue 'N Groove Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005 Starting things out with the chugging blues rocker, Get Paid, vocalist/harmonica wizard Matthew Skoller serves notice that he's not content to put out anything that resembles the "blues by the numbers" approach of too many contemporary blues bands. Instead, he deftly mixes the traditional musical elements of the blues with lyrics that touch on such diverse topics as not being ashamed of how you make a living, Get Paid, how a few people try to control everything with often disastrous consequences for the rest of us, Handful of People, how living in a connected world can be a constant pain in the butt, Wired, how people get lost and you have a chance to save them, Stolen Thunder, and other songs with socially conscious lyrics. Of course great lyrics don't always make great albums. A leaden musical performance can sink the best of words. That's not a problem here as Skoller and his crack backing outfit, including the legendary Lurrie Bell on guitar have paid just as much attention to the music as the words and have crafted a solid disc of hard core blues and gospel rave ups that includes enough boiling guitar and greasy harmonica to keep even those who don't listen to a single lyric happy. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Rise Artist: Eddie Turner Label: Northern Blues, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005 Guitarist Eddie Turner has played with Tracy Nelson, Mother Earth, hard rock outfit Zephyr and, most recently, Otis Taylor. This disc displays the wide variety of chops necessary to hang with such a diverse crowd. While It's Me features more pyrotechnics than many blues fans will appreciate and the high speed rap-like vocals of Gangster of Love are a bit of an acquired taste, the balance of the disc features richly textured cuts that combine Turner's terrific guitar skills with his mostly spoken-word style vocals. Stand out tracks include the trance like title track, the densely atmospheric Secret, the slinky, acoustic The River, the spaghetti-western groove of Resurrection and the spacey cover of Hendrix's The Wind Cries Mary. Those looking for a standard blues shuffle or boogie won't find a lot to like here - and that's mostly a good thing. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Knockdown South Artist: Jimbo Mathus Label: Knockdown South Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005 On his third solo disc after a successful original stint as co-leader of the jump/swing/jazz ensemble, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jimbo Mathus digs deep into a trick bag of styles that simultaneously reveal his Clarksdale, Mississippi roots and his constant re-invention of those roots. While he clearly has been bit by the same snake that has induced the likes of the Burnside clan and the North Mississippi All-Stars to jam their way through one primal trance-inducing cut after another, as evidenced by the opening track, Crazy Bout You, the bluesy Mule Plow Line and the organ drenched Rolling Like a Log, he also digs deep into the funky rock of 70's era J. Geils or Exile on Mainstreet-era Stones on the butt-shaking rocker, Let Me Be Your Rocker. The Stones make another stylistic appearance on Skateland Baby, a country rocker which sounds like it came straight from their Some Girls disc. Just when you think you re getting things figured out, Mathus takes a hard left turn into straight honky tonk country with Loving Arms and into Memphis sou1 territory with the sweet horn-laden grooves of Loose Diamonds. He's also not shy about jumplng into the swamp, as evidenced by the dark, percolating Be That Way, which marries a classic CCR groove with the Cajun pop sensibilities of Jumpin' Johnny Sansone. For those who need to boogie, there's the funky Boogie Music and State Line Women. While these stylistic jumps could fall flat in lesser hands, Malthus employs his long history as performer and producer to make it all hang together. Overall, a captivating listen from beginning to end. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Sean Costello Artist: Sean Costello Label: Artemis/Tone Cool, 2004 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005 Following a long-term stint as guitarist with Susan Tedeschi's band, Sean Costello struck out on his own and ripped up stages from coast to coast with his guitar pyrotechnics. Yawn, just what we needed: another hot shot kid guitarist. On his Tone Cool Records debut Costello puts all of that behind him with a terrifically crafted, soulful disc that plays in the same part of the street as Tommy Castro's recent release, Soul Shaker. As Castro did on that disc, Costello uses his guitar to augment rather than totally dominate the songs. Ad for good reason: he's accompanied here by the likes of the legendary Levon Helm on drums, Willie Weeks on bass, Steve Jordon on drums and a cast of horns, keyboards and background singers, all of whom contribute just the right sugar to offset Costello's guitar spice. With self-assured vocals, Costello takes on Al Green's I'm A Ram, Bob Dylan's Simple Twist of Fate, Robert Ward's Peace of Mind and Johnny "Guitar" Watson's I Get a Feeling with enough conviction to make you remember why these were such great tracks in the first place, yet not make you feel the need to run for the originals. The real accomplishment of this disc is just how easily Costello's original numbers stand tall against the gold standard of the covers. If Costello keeps his focus on crafting songs rather than hot-shot guitar solos, he will be in the disk racks for years to come. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Hands Across the Table Artist: Sugar Ray and the Bluetones Label: Severn, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - May, 2005 On his fourth disc after leaving Roomful of Blues in late 1996, Sugar Ray Norcia and his fellow Bluetones are joined by new guitarist Paul Size and two of his former Roomful bandmates, Carl Querfurth and Doug "Mr. Low" James on trombone and saxophone, respectively. The resulting disc is a hard-hitting slice of Chicago-style blues, with some swinging upbeat cuts thrown in for good measure. Featuring plenty of Ray's adept harmonica work and rich, buttery vocals, the 13 cuts collected here harken back to Ray's pre-Roomful days when he was a band leader rather than simply a band member. That's not to say that he hogs the spotlight here; quite the contrary - he simply adds a stylistic focus to the cuts that he had to abandon on much of Roomful's work in order to fit into that band's big band groove. The line up change appears to have energized Ray, as this disc is a vast improvement over his 2003 release featuring Monster Mike Welch, which seems lackadaisical by comparison. Those looking for Ray's stellar harmonica work should go directly to (I'm Gonna Break Into) Folsom Prison, I Done Got Wise, Cloud Cover and Livin' a Lie, while those wanting to check out new guitarist Size's chops should check out the break on That's My Desire as well as the deft solos on Dark Roads Calling and I Won't Leave Home No More. Those with a twinge of nostalgia for Ray's Roomful days would do well to check out I Wanna Marry You Girl and Say You Love Me (Before I Hang Up), which features the buoyant, upbeat groove featured on any number of his recordings with that band. Ray also throws in a finger-popping take on the old Sinatra standard, River Stay Away From My Door, which features greasy trombone accents from Carl Querfurth. It's no stretch at all to say this marks Ray's best work since leaving Roomful. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Don't Give Up! Artist: Harry Lucas & the Lowdown Label: Self-release, 2005 Reviewed by: Ed Markosky - June, 2005 Don't give up!, what a great title for this CD. This is the attitude that Harry and the band have always had and after 20 years, the band has had its trials and tribulations. They have kept at it and it really shows on this CD. When Pat Hansen (guitar) and Bob Overholt (drums) came back into the band things started to jump up a couple of notches. Once a great band, they have become a very polished group. This new CD starts out hot and just keeps on boiling. They tried very hard to put something on the recording for everyone and they have succeeded on every level. Guests include Mark Petz (saxophone), James Reeser (harmonica), and Buck "Sweetpea" Robinson (upright bass). Also kudos to Bill Hendriksen and Pete Bass at Soundfield Studios for a great job on the mix. I really liked their last CD - Junkyard Dog, but they outdid themselves on this, their newest release. In the words of the band: "Remember when times get tough and life appears to be too much of a burden to bear, Don't Give Up!" Buy this CD, I give it an A+. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Live! Down the Road Artist: Marcia Ball Label: Alligator, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005 All j can say is, it's about time! Marcia Ball has needed a live CD so people who have not seen her live know the fire this woman sings and plays with. Recorded at the Big Room at the Sierra Brewing Company in Chico, California, the recording unlike many live attempts, captures the true sound of Marcia and her band. Just close your eyes and get ready for one of the premier boogie pianists and one of the solidest touring bands around. Hitting the highlights of her studio releases, this live CD starts off with Big Shot, a rousing swamp boogie designed to get you on your feet. With guests Mark Kazanoff and Al Gomez on sax and trumpet respectively, they just add that much more to the already polished band. The Right Tool for the Job stays in the swamp vein and features the outstanding guitar work of Pat Boyak along with Marcia's dead-on keyboard work. Slowing things down, the Duke Robillard-penned Just Kiss Me shows Marcia's ability to sing a slow, grinding torch song. Things pick back up with That's Enough of That Stuff and Louella. Joined by Angela Strehli on her song It Hurts to be in Love, the two lay down some great harmonies. Having seen Marcia Ball many times, I can honestly say that this 14 track CD perfectly captures her vibrant and joyful live performances. If this doesn't make you want to go see her live, then you better check your pulse because you've passed on. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Candy Lickin' Man Artist: Chico Banks Label: Self-release, 1997 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005 I wanted to tell you a lot about this CD but I can't. The liner comes with absolutely no information. What I can tell you is that Chico Banks has a winner here. The only place I could find to get this CD is from the website www.chicobanks.com. Filled with Banks's outstanding guitar work and silky smooth vocals, he's having fun here and so should you when you listen. No stranger to Chicago blues, Banks has shared the stage with many luminaries of music and now deserves the spotlight. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Nine Lives Artist: Little Charlie & the Nightcats Label: Alligator, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005 Having been together for so many years, what can anyone else add to what's already been said about this band. The lyrics and harmonica work of Rick Estrin and the always amazing guitar work of Charlie Baty. It's all been said and yet they still keep coming up with fresh material on CD after CD. This one is no exception, all the tracks keep the same tongue-in-cheek lyrics of Estrin (who can forget My Next Ex-Wife?). Thirteen tracks of jewels like Keep Your Big Mouth Shut, Got to Have a Job, and Deep Pockets makes this one another in a long line of "must have" CD's from Little Charlie and the boys. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Monster Love Artist: Joe Moss Label: 212 Records, 2003 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005 As many of Chicago's finest leave us for a better place, many wonder about the up and coming blues players from Chicago. Well, wonder no more. Joe Moss (brother to Nick) is one of the young stallions that has risen to the task. Monster Love is a funky fat B-3 driven song that sets the pace for the rest of the 13 tracks here. Love My Baby is an infectious Chicago shuffle, followed by Mad, Mad, Mad and it's offbeat rhythms. Not many artists bat 100% in my book, but Joe comes pretty close. Have You Ever Loved a Woman again features the B-3 and the nice touch of Joe's guitar on a slow grinder that makes you want to grab your woman and hit the dance floor. When you listen to this CD you'll know that Chicago blues has a bright future. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Professional Slacker Artist: The Jimmy Griswold Band Label: Grizzo Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005 This Connecticut native who now calls Tampa his home is one of those artists begging to burst onto the blues scene. Backed by the rock solid band that consists of Tim Heding (keyboards), Bryan Austin (drums) and bassist extraordinaire Robert "Freighttrain" Parker, Griswold adds Ronnie Dee on sax and Scott Myers on trombone. The opening track, Wrapped Up in His Ego is a funky, syncopated song lamenting the dreaded "Fat Head" syndrome suffered by some of today's artists. Dirt Nap is an uptempo borderline rocker. Never one to stay in the same vein for long, the following track is a laid-back little ditty filled with Griswold's wry sense of humor. While not well known outside of Florida, hopefully this CD will help change that. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Lay My Demons Down Artist: Tommy McCoy Label: Green Swamp Records, 2001 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005 As long as we're in Florida, Tommy McCoy's CD warrants a listen. Joined on keyboards by Lucky Peterson, McCoy shows that Florida players have a great amount of soul, too. This 15-track CD travels from laid back grinding blues, Crying Won't Help You, to uptempo almost rockers Ludella, to acoustic gems They Killed That Man Down, and takes a turn at funk with Follow the Rules. I'm sure you'll find this CD an all-around solid effort and won't be disappointed. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: The Ultimate Collection Artist: B.B. King Label: Geffen Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - June, 2005 Without a doubt, B.B. King is the most recognized name in the blues music industry and has earned the title "King of the Blues". This isn't the first box set by King, but this is the first single disc set that spans the icon's career. It starts out with the 1951 R&B hit Three O'Clock Blues and 21 tracks later ends with the 2000 release Ten Long Years from his collaboration with Eric Clapton that went on to be a chart-topping platinum selling CD. Filling the tracks in between are some great songs including 1969's The Thrill is Gone and some not great songs like 1973's disco-inspired I Like to Live the Love. But the highs and lows are all part of the entertainer's growth process. You can hear the changes in his guitar solos as he gets bolder and more expansive through the years. His adventurous cross-over experiments like 1987's When Love Comes to Town, with U2. My only disappointment here is that Geffen tried to compact King's expansive career into one CD. In doing so they were forced to exclude some real gems like 1999's tribute to Louis Jordan, Let the Good Times Roll and 2003's collection of standards Reflections. As King's 80th birthday, September 16, 2005, closes in he's still playing 150 dates a year and, while his vocals have become just a little weathered, his vastly influential guitar skills still remain as sharp as ever. He's still a gracious and humble guitar player from Indianola, Mississippi, who in my opinion has always been and always will be the "King of the Blues". back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Soul Sanctuary Artist: Hollywood Blue Flames Label: Delta Groove, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - July, 2005 This disc matches the surviving members of the Hollywood Fats Band (AI Blake on vocals and harmonica, Richard Innes on drums, Fred Kaplan on piano and organ and Larry Taylor on bass) with hot shot guitarist Kirk "Eli" Fletcher, who has gone from relative obscurity to the top echelon of the blues world over the past couple of years, with his own solo recordings and high profile gigs with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Mannish Boys. While filling in for the immensely talented Fats would cause a lesser talent to overplay his parts in an effort to show himself worthy of the role, Fletcher avoids that trap and, instead, plays with highly skilled restraint. The rest of the band plays with the exuberance of prisoners freed from the shackles of their storied past. Instead of longing for the faded glory days when Fats made them the envy of the West Coast blues scene, they are now free to be in the moment and even create a new history. With top notch takes on jump blues, Nit Wit, down and gritty harmonica blues, Land of Calico, boogie woogie piano blues, Big Foot's Boogie, greasy B-3 driven instrumental blues, Jo Angelyn and acoustic country blues, You're Sweet, this disc has something for everyone. Miss this one at your own risk. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Live and on Fire Artist: The Love Dogs Label: T-Ray Records, 2004 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - July, 2005 Recorded live before an adoring audience in their East Coast stomping grounds, this disc represents the Love Dogs at their howling best. Fronted by a top-notch horn section, the band spends the majority of the disc traveling that thin line between blues and jazz. While the lyrics come straight from the "baby's been cheating/ friend's been lying/life is tough" blues verse book, the music has a glorious swing and jazz roots underpinning which finds its way into virtually every cut with the exception of the slow, steamy soul blues of Keep On Lying. What really makes the Dogs stand out from any number of blues bands with a horn section is that they don't simply recycle jump and swing classics in order to show off the horns. Instead they play mostly original tunes by head Dog Eddie "Duato" Scheer and add interesting twists with lots of syncopated percussion, scat vocals and heavy doses of secret weapon Alizon Lissance, who contributes dead-on New Orleans-style piano and accordion as well as slinky late night torch vocals on Only Time Will Tell. With a rollicking set list that surely filled the dance floor throughout the evening, this disc could easily ignite your blues party as well. This is one pack of hounds that you'll be glad found their way into your living room. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Lost River Jams Artist: Jeremy Baum Label: Flying Yak Records, 2002 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - July, 2005 With the exception of the B.B. classic Rock Me Baby, which features Bill Perry on vocals, this disc consists entirely of Hammond B3-driven instrumental jams that cover a pretty broad sonic spectrum. Highlights include Libel1y Street, which has a Latin/calypso groove and tasty guitar that wouldn't be out of place on a Santana disc, Oasis Jam which has a cool, almost icy cold feel to it, Stoopid, which dips into light funk, the corectly but goofily named, Bill Showed Up, which features the stinging guitar chops that have sold plenty of discs for Bill Perry over the years, Autumn Leaves, which has a nice contemporary jazz feel to it and Amazing Grace, which is given a simple, straight-forward reading that drips with feeling. Other tracks delve into melancholy blues, Goin' Home, straight shuffle blues, JB Shuffle, which is saved from sliding into oblivion by well-placed tenor sax and guitar breaks, and standard issue blues rock, Rock Me Baby, which features lots of guitar but is otherwise pretty unexceptional when compared to the dozens of covers of this classic. Overall, a safe play if you're looking for a B3 disc that has no mid song surprises or forays into space. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Feels Like Family Artist: Lauren Ellis Label: Silverline, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - July, 2005 As much as you might try and pigeon-hole Lauren Ellis's music, it fits in many and almost all categories. From the opening country tinged Dry as a Bone, to the ballad Shades of Blue to the slow funky Just to be with You, to the Alanis Morrisette-style rocker Setting Son, the CD will please any finicky listener. Not only is Ellis a specialist at crafting catchy and thought-provoking lyrics, she is multi-talented on just about any string instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, Dobro, lap steel, and sitar. The Nashville native has brought with her a solid band, borrowing musicians from Lyle Lovett (Viktor Krauss and Dean Parks) Allison Krauss (Kenny Malone) and Nashville's own blues hero Tony Joe White. Combine that with keyboardist Catherine Styron Marx, bassist Ed Cain, drummer Rick Lonow and percussionist Andy Behrens and you have one fine band. Silverline has gone above and beyond with this CD, adding a DVD on the other side that includes videos, photos, interviews, liner notes and lyrics. Great touch to an even greater CD. But don't take my word for it! go buy it and enjoy it yourself. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Travelin' with the Blues Artist: Tom McFarland Label: Arhoolie, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - July, 2005 With the untimely passing of Tom McFarland in September of 2004, Arhoolie has re-released his 1977 effort - with the addition of three never-released songs. Tom McFarland wasn't as well known as he should have been and this CD will show you that. Backed by Bobby Broadhead on drums and Steve Ehrmann on bass, McFarland showcases the stripped-down back-to-basics style of blues that was his trademark. Travelin' Man is about being a bluesman and surviving. Gasoline Blues is a tongue and cheek song about the high price of gasoline, but when you really listen, it's about sex. Street Walkin' Woman is about the prostitutes in Oakland where Tom lived for a time. And Blues Up and Gone is a tribute to his wife. All in all it's a pretty laid-back, enjoyable CD. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Blues With a Message Artist: Various Artists Label: Arhoolie, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - July, 2005 The blues have never been the same since the late 1950's and early 60's "electric" blues became the rage in Chicago. This CD revisits the country and folk style of blues and will introduce you to some old favorites and some relatively unknown and sadly overlooked artists. Starting off is Sam Chapman's I Have to Paint My Face, an acoustic song that sets the tone for the rest of the CD. Of the 18 tracks on this CD, I can't pick a favorite, they are all a great tribute to the acoustic era. Songs like Mance Lispcomb's Tom Moore's Farm, Fred McDowell's Levee Camp Blues deal with the working conditions of the debt-lien system that was developed after reconstruction. Little-known singers like Essie Jenkins, Willie Easton, Doctor Ross, and Juke Boy Bonner fill this compilation with the haunting sounds of pre-electric blues. While the sound and style of the blues is always evolving, it's CD's like this that we need to promote in order to preserve an important part of an American heritage. Many thanks to Arhoolie for their efforts in this area. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Fine! Fine! Thing! Artist: Floyd Dixon Label: Highjohn, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005 On this, his debut CD for the Highjohn Records label, Floyd Dixon steps back into the limelight he should never fallen from. The gifted singer/pianist/songwriter has spent the last few years concentrating on writing, while still giving the occasional live performance and spending time with his family. But,stand up and cheer because Dixon is back in force. Love Oh Love is a slow R&B number with guitarist Johnny Tucker highlighted. Love's the Key teams Dixon with fellow Texan Candye Kane on a song that will have you begging to roll up the carpet and do a fun-filled Texas Two Step. My Wish leans towards the gospel sound and features Dixon and his piano at their best. While pining for the way life used to be, Dixon sings about his family gathering around the piano and singing songs until dawn. The Blues is one of those slow, grinding songs with a full horn section showcasing Dixon's vocals. Known for his songwriting skills, Dixon has crafted a new chapter in his accomplished life. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Can't Keep a Good Woman Down! Artist: Sista Monica Parker Label: Mo Muscle, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005 The Lioness of Soul is back!! I last saw Sista Monica Parker at the Kalamazoo Blues Festival and was struck by the power of her performance. Few people knew that at the time she was in between treatments for an aggressive type of cancer. After eighteen months of treatments, surgery, radiation and physical therapy she's back with a vengeance. The title cut, Can't Keep A Good Woman Down is a rocking, funky, driven song with Larry McCray providing the guitar work. Cookin' With Grease is another killer piece which showcases Parker's amazing vocal styling. Of all the 13 tracks, Parker wrote, arranged and produced ten of them along with partner Danny B. Beconcini. Show Me What You're Working With is a shuffle about making her man tow the line or hit the road. No matter how many times I listen to this CD there just isn't a weak song on it. For a woman literally on the brink of death, you'd never know it here. An extremely strong release from a woman with drive to succeed and be second to no one. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: A More Perfect Union Artist: Matt Sery Label: Riff Rat Records, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005 OK, I had to suppress the urge to run screaming from the room when I saw that they were using a synthesized guitar on this CD. The first track, Find the Truth, is reminiscent of 80's pop band The Talking Heads, complete with David Byrne-sounding vocals. Now I was really scared. What I want to know is who put this on my desk and what did I do wrong to get this? I have a deep respect for people who choose to make a living playing music; it's not an easy road to go. Matt Sery is doing it, singing and writing what is basically Christian music with 80's pop overtones. I've never met him or heard his music before, but while it's not my cup my tea, you can hear the sincerity and a devotion to God which I respect. But, bottom line, it has nothing to do with the blues. Excuse me while I go back to Sista Monica. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Song Inside Me Artist: Michelle Lundeen Label: Milestone Music, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005 I had seen the ads for this CD in different magazines and wondered what it was like. Now I know. Backed by a big band complete with B-3 and horns, Michele Lundeen sings the blues. Her styles hit all bases from sultry swamp funk to old-time jazz, to pure gut-bucket blues. She does cover all bases, but there is something lacking and I think it's in the production of the CD. The sound doesn't jump off the CD at you, it's just kinda there. Flat, if you will. VooDoo Man should be a driving tune, but comes off as an uninspiring mish-mash which proves to be a negative to her vocals. I'd really like to see her live; I think this CD has done her a disservice. All Day Blues has a great acoustic guitar and an old-timey feeling. One of the best cuts on the CD, Free At Last, is a rocker that reminded me of The Rolling Stones' Honky Tonk Woman, which is a good thing. Would I recommend this CD; it's a split decision. Yes because of Michele Lundeen's vocals, but no because of poor mixing and mastering that gives the overall sound a tinny quality. Too bad, you can tell she put her heart and soul into this. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Real House Blues Artist: Mojo Stu Label: Mudbone Records, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005 It must have been fate that I picked this CD to review next. Mojo Stu (Stu Bryant) knew I needed a healthy dose of acoustic funky blues. What an amazing CD! If you're ever feeling lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut, then you need to listen to this man's music. Its uplifting feel-good vibe can't help but bring a smile to your face. My only complaint - it's too short. When it was over I still wanted more. I wasn't done dancing and humming along with Stu's magical weave of contagious uplifting tunes. Handling all the guitar work (acoustic, electric, slide, and bass), Stu lays down some traditional blues tinged with a multitude of styles. No such thing as a bad song here so don't waste your time looking for one. Production (Mitch Goldfarb) is excellent, allowing the listener to hear each and every nuance of the music and vocals. From the opening track, Leave It Gone to the final cut, Hey, Hey, I was hooked and you will be too. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Chicago Blues Reunion Artist: Various Artists Label: Out of the Box Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards, August 2005 You've heard me say before that a CD contains a who's who of musicians, but I don't know where to start on this one. This CD just about goes beyond comprehension. Barry Goldberg (keyboards/vocals), Harvey Mandel (lead guitar), Nick Gravenites (guitars/vocals), Tracey Nelson (lead/background vocals), Corky Siegal (lead vocals/harmonica), Sam Lay (drums), R. Zach Wagner (rhythm guitar/vocals), Rick Reed (bass guitar), Gary Mallaber (drums). If that isn't strong enough, just add Joe Sublet (tenor & baritone sax) and Darryl Leonard (trumpet). OK, you want more - Barry Goldberg produced it. I don't have enough space to go into the background of these wonderful musicians, but trust me when I say this is a special CD. Recorded live at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, IL, a suburb of Chicago, the recording quality is top notch and the master mix is perfect. In case you haven't had enough, it's a 2 CD set that includes a DVD containing the live concert and interviews with B.B. King, Buddy Guy and more. Talk about sensory overload. Not restricted by studio limitations, the songs are longer than normal jams that spotlight each musician, from the sterling harp solo by Corky Siegel on track 5, GM Boogie. Every track features Harvey Mandel's stinging guitar work. Tracey Nelson belts out a driving version of Walk Away. I could go on and on, but you really need to witness this treasured assembly of musicians yourself. Buy it, Buy it, Buy it!! back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Chicago Blues Harmonica Project Artist: Various Artists Label: Severn Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - September, 2005 Those of you who think that the harp is a forgotten instrument in Chicago need to buy this CD. Featured are six of the staples of Chicago harp style, including Dusty Brown, Omar Coleman, Russ Green, Larry Cox, Harmonica Khan #1, and Little Addison, backed by the solid rhythm section of Little Frank (guitar), Rick Kreher (guitar), Mark Brumbach (piano), Pat McKeever (bass), and Twist Turner (drums). Many people are under the misconception that since both Sonny Boys and both Walters and Junior Wells are gone that nobody is still playing any harp-driven music anymore. I'm here to tell you that they're wrong. Severn has taken the reins in hand and have produced a winner here. While not household names, they toil away every night sharing their knowledge with both fans and the next generation of Chicago harp players, of which a couple are showcased here. All the players here can stretch notes from top to bottom and make the reeds do things you only read about. But don't listen to me prattle on about this, go buy it!! back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Just The Way We Like It Artist: Those Delta Rhythm Kings Label: Redink Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - September, 2005 This Lansing-based nine-piece band has a horn section that is straight out of the big band era. Featuring George Hirai (baritone sax), Chad Bennet (tenor sax), Janell Christie (alto sax), and Andy Wilson (trumpet/harp), they provide a perfect background for singer Ray Aleshire. Mike Lynch (keyboard), John Davidson (guitar), Rod Alshire (bass), and drummer Bob Carter round out the all star lineup. I'll admit I'm a sucker for a big fat horn section, but there is more to it than just that. Tasty B-3 work with the solid rhythm section formulate an all-encompassing party sound. On this, their third recording, the Rhythm Kings keep an even keel with covers of big band tunes that are guaranteed to get you on the dance floor. From up-tempo swing numbers to down low slithering swamp boogies, it proves to be their strongest outing yet. The one thing, and it's the only thing that disappoints me on this CD is that it's all covers. I would have liked to have heard some originals. I love their interpretations of classics like Smack Dab in the Middle and Wind Chill, not to mention Don't You Lie to Me. Whoever writes the horn charts has found the perfect balance. The overall mix is perfect and I think using the old Neve mixing board from the Muscle Shoals studio was a outstanding choice. The next time they are in town, do yourself a favor and go enjoy the live sound of a big band with a bright future. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: The Jon Klein Combine Artist: The Jon Klein Combine Label: D-funkd Records, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - September, 2005 The first thing I thought of when I listened to this CD is it's a cross of The Ramones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Sound Garden. Raw, gutsy vocals laid over guitars set on let's make their ears bleed. Just when I thought it was going to be all like this, track three, Oh No Baby proved to be a pretty bluesy shuffle laced with some nice guitar licks. There is Something on Your Mind is a slow, grinding song with heavy B-3 undertones, a full horn section, and some really nice harp work. The vocals of Jon Klein backed by Matt Klein (guitar/vocals), Steve Linane (guitar), Dave Lepak (bass), and Chris Badami (drums) prove to be a mighty strange trip. Dark disturbing lyrics set over a heavy drum track and blazing guitars. Is it blues? Maybe some, but others have definite punk overtones that I find distracting. I'd like to see this band decide on a style. Too much time is spent trying to prove they can play everything. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: The Billy Gibson Band Artist: The Billy Gibson Band Label: Inside Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - September, 2005 Horner should make Billy Gibson its poster child. He can make that harp sing. Backed by a great three piece band, Gibson covers the traditional harp-driven music plus some funk on Rudy Toombs' Country Girl, swing on the Gibson-penned What is Love, and solid shuffle on Stingin' Stang. One of my favorite tracks is Love Everybody, a wah-wah infused funk complete with background singers that is right up Gibson's alley. The focal point of the CD is of course, Gibson's harp work which is phenomenal. But the other members can't be over looked either, as each is spotlighted throughout the CD. Gibson does not dominate, but blends smoothly. You can bet the next time I'm in Memphis, I'll be looking for this band. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: The Legend Artist: Jimmy "T99" Nelson Label: Nettie Marie Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - September, 2005 Following the recipe he successfully used on his 2002 release, Take Your Pick, Houston blues shouter Jimmy Nelson has reassembled the lion's share of the late 80's/early 90's edition of Roomful of Blues (including Duke Robillard on guitar, Sax Gordon on tenor sax, Doug James on baritone sax, Carl Querfurth on trombone, Matt McCabe on piano and Sugar Ray Norcia on harmonica) to back up his Big Joe Turner-inspired vocals. The choice of musicians is natural given their long history of backing such blues luminaries as Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Big Joe, Earl King and others. The "little big band" music featured here comes as naturally to them as Delta blues came to Muddy Waters. But enough about the back-up band, the real star here is Nelson, who is in generally fine vocal form despite the 86 hard years he has under his belt. Having worked with Big Joe, Roy Milton, Joe Liggins, Lowell Fulson and Arnett Cobb through the glory days of the 50's, he picked up the vocal phrasing, technique and swing that made the post-war era of the blues such a dancer's delight. Check out the salacious One Step at a Time, which combines big band swing with sly lyrics about a planned carnal break. While he isn't as quick with a phrase as he once was, he makes up for it with the richness the slower pace adds to his hearty voice. This is music aimed strictly at your feet and butt. That's not to say that every track is an asthma inducing work out. My Woman is a slow number extolling the virtues of a long term relationship. Take a listen and be transported through a rich slice of blues history. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Let It Loose Artist: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne Label: Electro-Fi, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - September, 2005 Kicking things off with the high energy Blackberry Wine, which takes more than a little inspiration from the oft-covered Chicken Shack Boogie, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne rips through thirteen cuts of piano-driven boogie woogie and blues. With stylistic nods to Roosevelt Sykes, Professor Longhair, Amos Milborn and Jay McShann, Wayne takes the listener through New Orleans' second line rhythms and ample doses of Kansas City-inspired swing. While the bulk of the material favors a mid-tempo groove, Wayne slows things way down for the slinky cover of Milborn's Bewildered and his own thoughtful ballad, Wishing Well. A tasty slice of soul blues makes an appearance in the form of Blues Carry Me Home. Those looking for something to crank their party to the next level should head straight to the title cut, which augments Wayne's fleet-fingered keyboard work with greasy saxophone. Overall, the disc is a nice break from guitar-driven blues. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Right About Love Artist: Renee Austin Label: Blind Pig, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - September, 2005 With eleven mostly self-penned tracks to showcase her stunning voice, Renee' Austin's sophomore effort on Blind Pig is a glorious trip through road house rock, gospel, western swing and Memphis style blues. Hitting the ground running with the kick butt rocker, Mouth of the Delta, Austin quickly downshifts into a lower gear with the soul infused groover, Harder Than it Has To Be. She then slows things down even further with Right About Love, which is a tender ballad that allows the richness of her voice to work its way into your heart. Just when get all misty eyed about the promise of love, Austin kicks back into her house rocker mode with the scorching reminder that you can't take your belongings with you when you're done here, U-Haul. After finishing that off she romps through a gospel-fueled kiss-off directed at an ex-lover, Thank You Card, a 70's rocker, Meant To Be, a swampy cover of Bobbie Gentry's Bugs, which would evoke a smile on the face of any CCR fan, and even a cover of the Arthur Crudup classic That's All Right. She showcases the lushness of her voice again on Strangers On a Train, which has an urbane Dinah Washington feel and on the western swing-inspired Mister Cowboy, which could tumble off a kd Lang disc. What really sets Austin apart from virtually all her peers is the immense versatility of her voice. Her slow numbers are rich and nuanced, her gospel and swing numbers are nimble and her rockers are throaty and powerful. While any number of singers can work their way through a good ballad or power their way to the front of a stomping rocker, very few can do both as well as Austin. Pick this up and treat yourself to a terrific vocal showcase by an artist who clearly has a bright future ahead of her. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Gettin' My Groove Back Artist: Elvin Bishop Label: Blind Pig, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - October, 2005 Okay, for those of you late to class, here's the deal on Elvin Bishop: raised in Tulsa Oklahoma, he took to the blues at an early age. When he moved to Chicago to pursue a college degree he was soon introduced to the Southside blues scene, where he not only learned at the feet of legends such as Little Smokey Smother and Otis Rush, but soon had a fateful meeting with a young Paul Butterfield, which lead to the formation of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Once Michael Bloomfield joined the fold, the band introduced the concept of twin lead guitars and soon proceeded to cut some of the discs that finally brought the blues to a wider white audience, including the self-titled Paul Butterfield Blues Band, East-West and The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw. Bishop eventually took off on his own and put a number of songs on the charts including Travelin' Shoes and Sure Feels Good. In 1975, he scored big with the crossover single, Fooled Around and Fell in Love, which featured future Jefferson Starship vocalist Mickey Thomas on lead vocals. Bishop continued a prolific output of new material through the 70's and 80's, with no new hits and slowed down considerably in the 90's, with only a couple of releases on the Alligator label. Bishop is now ready to jump-start his recording career with this new effort on Blind Pig, which marks his first entry into the recording studio in several years. Unlike too many of his past efforts where his frequent focus on goofy novelty-type tunes and the quest for another crossover hit have masked his considerable talent on both guitar and vocals, this release seems tightly focused and hot-wired into the blues. Kicking things off with the gritty What the Hell Is Going On, Bishop hits a number of blues bases including and Allman Brothers-inspired slide instrumental, Sweet Dreams, the highly funky That's My Thing, Blues Train and Got To Be in New Orleans, and southern fried soul that would fit nicely on a Blind Boys of Alabama disc, I'll Be Glad. Deep John Lee Hooker-style blues make an appearance on Come On Blues, which features plenty of raw guitar and Bishop's desperate plea for the blues to help him make it through a tough spot. Unable to leave without a party, Bishop closes the disc with Party 'Til the Cows Come Home, a jumping little number that lives up to its title. If Bishop ever lost his groove he's got it back big time on thls disc. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Anything Can Happen Artist: Magic Slim Label: Blind Pig, 2005 Reviewed by: Mark Smith - October, 2005 This 11-cut live disc recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewery's "Big Room" features straight up, unadorned electric guitar blues. With nothing more than two guitars, a bass and drums, Magic Slim and the latest batch of Teardrops weave that deep, hard-hitting groove that fans of electric Chicago blues love so well. Having stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of the legendary Magic Sam and Hound Dog Taylor in Chicago blues clubs after migrating from Mississippi in the 50's, Slim exudes authenticity regardless of whether he's laying down a slow scorcher like Please Don't Dog Me or Muddy Waters' Still a Fool or filling the dance floor with the shuffle blues of Goin' To Mississippi or Shake It. While numerous performers think that the path to a blues audience is through vintage equipment or note-for-note reverence to the songs of the first generation of bluesmen, Slim knows better. You write your own tunes, tour constantly and work your butt off to capture everyone within the sound of your guitar. This disc features Slim and the Teardrops very hard at work. You can't like traditional Southside electric blues without falling for this release. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: The Blues According to Zachariah Artist: Zac Harmon Label: Bluestone Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - October, 2005 Zac Harmon, winner of the 2004 International Blues Challenge, is no stranger to blues or performing. Harmon grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, honing his musical skills in the church before moving to Los Angeles in 1980. Talented on guitar, keyboard, bass, vocals and songwriting, Harmon was soon working as a studio musician. In 2002, he released a live recording, Live at Babe & Ricky's Inn, that was an electrifying collection of Mississippi blues. Now, on his first studio recording, Harmon carries on where he left off, with nine stunning tracks that feature more of his much under-rated work. He had me from the opening track, the gospel-inspired That Mighty High. Displaying his vocal range and outstanding guitar work throughout all the tracks, Harmon takes the listener from the church to the Delta - all on one CD. Harmon co-wrote six of the tracks, including Sugarman, It's Cool With Me, and That's Why, all rock solid efforts. It's pretty obvious why he won the IBC, and after you listen to this CD it will be as obvious to you why he has a bright future in blues. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Overqualified For The Blues Artist: Brian Blain Label: Northern Blues, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - October, 2005 Long-time fixture on the Canadian blues scene, Brian Blain has been joined by a host of collaborators on this CD, including Paul Reddick and Harry Manx. Known for his sly sense of humor in writing about everyday things that happen to us all, Blain starts out with Saab Story - as if you didn't know - about a guy, girl and car. Blues is Hurting laments over the current state of the blues, while Hi-Tech Blues tells the story of everyday trials and tribulations in our modern society. One of the funniest songs here is No More Meetings. Having come from the corporate world and even in the Blues Society, Blain's acidic wit made me laugh out loud. Not to say that the entire CD is light-hearted; he addresses some serious topics as well. Enfant Choisi is a well-crafted song about world peace, and showcases Blain's ability to tackle such subjects with tact and sensitivity. Blain doesn't browbeat you with his ideals, but takes a low-key approach that is very tasty. By all means get ahold of this CD and enjoy it. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Hungry Ghosts Artist: Doug Cos & Sam Hurrie Label: Northern Blues, 2005 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - October, 2005 Caution! This CD is for lovers of acoustic folk blues. Renowned Canadian Dobro artist Doug Cox and guitarist Sam Hurrie have created a masterpiece with this CD. Both are virtuosos on their instruments and excel as performers, never trying to out-do one another, but rather converse with their guitars. Opening with a cover of Duane Allman's Little Martha, the duo weave their resonator magic through 13 tracks, all showcasing their talents. Midway through the disk is a stripped-down version of the ballad Great Expectations from the Rolling Stones' 1968 album Beggars Banquet. It was hard to pick any one song as a standout, but one of my favorites is their version of Son House's Grinning In Your Face. This is roots music at its finest and can't, musn't be passed up. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Make a Change Sometime Artist: Nathan James & Ben Hernandez Label: Self-released, 2004 Reviewed by: Tim Richards - October, 2005 This seems to be the month for roots acoustic folk blues. I can't speak for you, the readers, but for me, I'm in hawg heaven. This duo has been performing for years, just not together. This is the first CD to combine their talents as songwriters and musicians on these 16 tracks of both traditional and original compositions. James is master of several different-sounding guitars and foot percussion, and Hernandez provides the rhythm by using harmonica, jazz kazoo, spoons, jug and washtub bass. Add in piano, courtesy of guest Gene Taylor of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, the fiddle work of Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), and vocals and harp styles of James Harman, and you've created a real winner. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Bywater Dance Artist: Mary Flowers Label: Yellow Dog Records, 2005 Reviewed by: Arthur Shuey © - November, 2005 As the urban legend balloon busters work to confirm or deny post-Katrina horror stories from New Orleans, let us take a good look or, in this case, listen, to the New Orleans to which we are bound by love of good music, good food, productive cultural intersections and happy acceptance of hedonism. The mortar in any comeback is memory. Let us look for happy reminiscences of the Crescent City with which to begin restoration. Yellow Dog Records just released as good and authentic a collection of new New Orleans music as one could want, recorded last May in the Bywater District, rooftops and drowned car tops of which we've all seen a sad documentary quantity. These fourteen songs, five M. Flower originals and nine known numbers from yesteryear arranged by Ms. Flower with that perpetual freshness that always marks New Orleans music, do a good job of taking the listener down there. Though possessed of the relaxed humor and innate, funky rumba rhythm of New Orleans music, Mary Flowers sounds like a serious student of the music, too. Her guitar, lap-slide guitar and vocals are a little too dead on, as if authentic because she's researched and practiced and researched some more, but that's okay, as her familiarity with the sound she seeks here, whether it comes from nature or nurture, has let her put together a great tune list. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave to Me, probably best known from the Jim Kweskin's Jug Band treatment three-plus decades ago and far different here, begins a set that remains syncopated and lively for the length of the CD, even through E.Y. Harburg's Brother, Can You Spare a Dime. The jangle piano bounces off the scraping, heavy strings of her guitar, recorded way out in front of the horns, organ, bass, drums, washboard and/or accordion that all contribute highly individualistic facets to the songs. Just the way it's supposed to be in New Orleans. Just the way it's been. Just the way we want it again. back to top, 2004 index, 2003 index, 2002 index, 2001 index, or WMBS Home Page Title: Jazz Baby Anthology Artist: Various Artists Label: Casablanca Kids, 2005 Reviewed by: Arthur Shuey © - November, 2005 Every generation frets about its progeny. Socrates railed against the effete youth of classical Athens. Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" caused their parents sleep loss by their addictions to jazz,

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