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Ronnie Earl
The Magic Of Sam

James Cotton
Baby, Don't You Tear My Clothes

Bobby Rush
Ninety Nine

Ernest Lane
Lane Shuffle



More Reviews===> Reviews Section II


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Muddy Waters: Hard Again (Epic/Legacy)cd.gif (1045 bytes)  
Muddy Waters: I'm Ready (Epic/Legacy)cd.gif (1045 bytes)

Muddy Waters: King Bee (Epic/Legacy)cd.gif (1045 bytes)

 After an unchallenged reign as King of the Chicago Blues it was in the late 60's when his powers seem to falter. Waters was still a powerful live performer but his studio recordings were mostly forgettable particularly the awful attempts at psychedelia that were "Electric Mud" and the equally poor follow up "After the Rain." 1970's "They Call Me Muddy Waters" and 1973's "Can't Get No Grindin'" were better but still far from the lofty standards one would expect from Muddy. He had been with Chess records since the late 40's, when it was known as Aristocrat, and perhaps it was a just the jolt he needed when Chess Records was sold off in 1976. Enter Johnny Winter who rose to fame in the 60's playing high octane blues-rock and just happened to be a huge fan of Muddy's. Winter quickly signed Muddy to the Blue Sky label, a subsidiary of Columbia, (ironic because Muddy's first commercial recordings were for Columbia in 1946). Backed by an incredible band including Winter himself and with Winter's sympathetic old school, back-to-basics production, Muddy went out roaring like a lion on these final records before passing on in 1983. Following on the heels of last year's "Muddy "Mississippi" Waters Live" reissue we now get remastered and expanded versions of Muddy's final studio albums: "Hard Again" (1977), "I'm Ready" (1978) and "King Bee" (1980).

 1977's "Hard Again" emphatically served notice that Muddy was still at the top of his game. As always Muddy attracted a legion of talented and loyal bandmates and this band was no exception: the twin guitars of Johnny Winters and Bob Margolin, James Cotton on harp, Pinetop Perkins on piano, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on drums and Charles Calmese on bass. Waters never picked up a guitar during this session but he roared the blues with crackling intensity and the twin guitars of Winters and Margolin made a potent force. From the opener "Mannish Boy", when it's just Muddy's burnished voice backed just by a distant guitar, you know Muddy means business and when the band kicks in with a tough delta-by-way-of-Chicago groove you know Muddy is indeed hard again. Muddy and cohorts storm through an unflinchingly tough set of blues, burning through a swaggering "I Want To Be Loved", "I Can't Be Satisfied" with Winter playing killer, pure Delta blues on his National steel and the anthemic "The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll." A stomping remake of "Walking Through the Park" is the lone bonus cut and easily as good as anything issued on the original album.

 Following the huge success of "Hard Again" was 1978's "I'm Ready" featuring the same core band but with some notable guest appearances. On the previous record James Cotton reunited with his old boss who he had played with back in the 50's and 60's. Cotton is absent here but on board are Jimmy Rogers who had been in Muddy's original band in the late 40's to mid-50's and hadn't played with his old boss in 20 years plus harmonica genius Big Walter Horton who had played with both men. Also featured is harp blower Jerry Portnoy who was now a member of Muddy's road band brought in just in case Horton's erratic behavior surfaced to cause problems- it didn't. As you would expect this is lean mean golden age Chicago blues as Muddy digs into vintage numbers like the strutting title cut featuring both Portnoy and Horton playing harmonica, "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Rock Me." Best of all Muddy picks up the guitar to lay down some vicious slide on "33 Years" and goes way back with a magnificent "Screamin' and Cryin'" a song he first cut back in the late 40's. Closing things out are three stellar unreleased numbers: the tough "No Escape from the Blues", the blistering "Lonely Man Blues" and the glorious "That's Alright" a low key gem featuring both Rogers and Muddy tacking the vocals.

 "King Bee" was the last album Muddy Waters cut and it's not quite up to the high standards of the two previous records. Bob Margolin tells the strange and sad story of this recording eloquently in the liners notes. A conflict arose due to Waters' health being on the wane and him playing less. The band members wanted more money for the fewer gigs they did play in order to make ends meet. Ultimately the entire band quit en masse. Because of the tensions in the studio preceding the split, Winter felt the sessions were not very good and he filled out "King Bee" with outtakes from the "Hard Again" sessions. Still this is a very fine outing featuring the core band form the previous records plus the addition of Calvin Jones on bass and Luther "Guitar" Jr. Johnson on guitar. Muddy still sounds commanding and the ensemble work stellar on Slim Harpo's swampy title cut, a wonderful acoustic version of "I Feel Like Going Home" with just Muddy and the twin guitars of Margolin and Winters, "Sad Sad Day" featuring Muddy's stinging slide work and the lean macho swagger of "Champagne & Reefer." Bonus tracks include two songs from the "King Bee" sessions that Winter didn't see fit to release the first time: "I Won't Go Down" and "Clouds in My Heart" are remakes of 50's nuggets and the seven minute plus version of the latter number is a deep, intense blues ranking as one of his finest late period performances.

 Muddy Waters went out like a champ right to the end as these final recordings prove. Even if you have the original records now's the time to update as they all boast superior sound, stellar unreleased material and fantastic notes by Bob Margolin who provides a wonderful fly-on-the-wall perspective on Muddy's final years.

-Check out these related reviews:
Muddy "Mississippi" Waters Live
Muddy Waters Biography

(Jeff Harris)

     
Ronnie Earl: Now My Soul (Stony Plain)cd.gif (1045 bytes)  
Duke Robillard: Blue Mood (Stony Plain)cd.gif (1045 bytes)

 Ronnie Earl and Duke Robillard continue to remain two of the most innovative and adventurous blues guitarists on the scene. While both men have their own unique style they share a number of similarities; Duke Robillard founded the legendary Roomful of Blues and it was Ronnie Earl who was invited to replace him when Robillard left the band in 1979. Both men share an affinity and feel for jazz and swing material evidenced on Robillard records like "Conversations in Swing Guitar" and "After Hours Swing Session" and Earl's "Grateful Heart: Blues and Ballads" which featured David "Fathead" Newman and "Healing Time" with legendary soul-jazz organist Jimmy McGriff. Above all both men continue to stretch out, redefine themselves and issue consistently satisfying records. Both men now share the same label and Earl's "Now My Soul" and Robillard's "Blue Mood" are as good as we've come to expect from these always engaging guitarists.

 "Now My Soul" is a marvelous follow up to last year's acclaimed "I Feel Like Goin' On." As a non-singing guitarist Earl has always relied on the vocals of others but by the early 90's he took the bold step of going mainly instrumental and was one of the few who could pull it off. On "Now My Soul" Earl takes the middle ground with half instrumentals and the rest featuring vocals by Kim Wilson plus Greg Piccolo on one cut. The results are typically impressive particularly the instrumentals: Earl and the band stretch out on meaty instrumentals like Jimmy Smith's "Blues For J" capturing the easy, in-the-pocket groove Smith was known for with fine organ from Dave Limina and strong tenor from Piccolo, the easy shuffling "Maxwell, Mudcat and Per" which owes a debt to T-Bone Walker, "Walter Through Kim" a romping showcase for Wilson's dazzling harp work and "The Magic of Sam" a sizzling tribute to Magic Sam. Kim Wilson's vocals and harp work are a highlight particularly on a tortured ten minute plus version of Otis Rush's "Double Trouble" and the ominous minor key original "Abandoned." "Walking On The Sea" is a particular delight featuring the soaring, uplifting vocals of the Silver Leaf Gospel Singers with Earl ripping off some tasteful, pungent guitar licks.

 Like Earl, Robillard is also following up an excellent album, last year's retro-blues flavored "Exalted Lover." On "Blue Mood" Robillard pays tribute to one of his main inspirations: "I always knew that someday I would record a tribute to my mentor, the father of electric blues guitar...T-Bone walker. Everything I play...has some T-Bone in it." Good tributes are a hard thing to pull off but Robillard does it with class and style on this beautifully played set of blues, swing and big band numbers. Robillard drew his band from a talented cast, many former or current Roomful members, including Sax Beadle on tenor, Billy Novick on alto, Al Basile on cornet, Doug James on baritone, Mark Teixeira on drums and Jesse Williams on acoustic bass. Robillard's guitar is ever tasteful as he cleanly and fluidly pays loving homage to T-Bone's style, one that influenced nearly every guitarist that came after him. These guys really know how to swing just check out rousing numbers like the bouncy "Lonesome Woman Blues", the rousing "Alimony Blues" featuring the wailing baritone of James and the propulsive "Pony Tail" where Robillard really cuts loose. Slower fare is equally good like the after hours vibe of "Love Is A Gamble" and the silky "Born To Be No Good." Robillard isn't a great singer but he makes the best with what he has and knows how to but across a song with an insinuating charm.

 Both Ronnie Earl and Duke Robillard continue to evolve, showing a restless creative spirit that makes everything they touch something special. "Now My Soul" and "Blue Mood" come highly recommended as does just about everything from these fine artists.

-Check out these related reviews:
Duke Robillard: Exhalted Lover

(Jeff Harris)

 
Moanin' At Midnight: The Life And Times of Howlin' Wolf
By James Segrest & Mark Hoffman (Pantheon)
 

 

<---REVIEW TO BE POSTED BY 7/7/04--->

 
James Cotton: Baby, Don't You Tear My Clothes
(Telarc) cd.gif (1045 bytes)

 Hot on the heels of 2002's hot all-star laden "35th Anniversary Jam", Cotton stills sounds mighty fine on another album loaded with guest artists. While the flame doesn't burn quite as bright as on the prior record, which earned a Handy Award for Traditional Album of the Year, Cotton and cohorts deliver more hits than misses and fans won't be disappointed.

 "Baby, Don't You Tear My Clothes" is Cotton's third for Telarc since signing with them back in 2000 and the results have been consistently fine. Cotton's voice has been ravaged due to throat ailments which has forced him to rely on others for the vocals, a shame since Cotton once possessed a soulful, powerful roar every bit as exuberant his harp playing. Cotton's harp playing is still a joy to hear and he remains one of the best in the business. Cotton has cut some great hard blowing records, particularly in the 70's and 80's with classic records such as "100% Cotton" and "High Compression" and while he doesn't blow quite as hard these days he more than makes up for that by playing with rare subtlety and innovation. "Baby, Don't You Tear My Clothes" is certainly proof of that.

 Cotton retains the excellent core band form his previous record including the rippling piano work of David Maxwell, the impeccable guitar work of Derek O'Brien and the steady bass of Noel Neal. Guests this time are a bit more eclectic including Bobby Rush who was featured on one track on Cotton's previous release, Marcia Ball, Dave Alvin, Odetta, C.J. Chenier, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Doc and Merle Watson and Rory Block. If you want proof Cotton's harp skills remain intact then just give a listen to stellar instrumentals like the blazing, lyrical opener "Coach's Better Days", a soulful rendition of the Ivory Joe Hunter classic "I Almost Lost My Mind", the shuffling "Blues For Jacklyn" and the gorgeous closer "Friends" backed just by acoustic guitar. Vocally the standouts include the insinuating vocals of Bobby Rush on "Baby, Don't You Tear My Clothes", Marcia Ball taking over on vocals and piano on a gently shuffling take of Robert Johnson's "When You Got A Good Friend" and the low-down delta blues vibe of "Mississippi Blues" evocatively sung by Rory Block who also plays guitar. More in a roots vein are fine collaborations with Dave Alvin on the traditional "Stealin', Stealin'", and "How Long Blues" sung and played wonderfully by Doc and Merle Watson.

 All-star laden albums rarely work as well as they should but this one comes off very well. A more laid back feel overall than many of his releases there's still much to savor not the least of which is Cotton's spectacular harp work which sounds absolutely timeless.

-Check out these related links:
35th Anniversary Jam

(Jeff Harris)


Byther Smith: Hold That Train (Delmark)cd.gif (1045 bytes)

 Byther Smith has put out many a hard hitting Chicago blues record over the past couple of decades but perhaps none quite as tough as this. "Hold That Train" is a reissue of Byther's first album cut for the tiny Grits label in 1981 as "Tell Me How You Like It" and may be his finest moment.

 Byther followed the well trod path from Mississippi to Chicago landing in the windy city in the mid-'50s. He picked up pointers from guys like J.B. Lenoir (his first cousin), Robert Jr. Lockwood, and Hubert Sumlin and by the early '60s was working the clubs. He backed Junior Wells at Theresa's Lounge for a number of years also playing with heavyweights like Big Mama Thornton, George "Harmonica" Smith, and Otis Rush. He cut a handful of early singles for the C.J. imprint before cutting his first full lenghthers for Grits in 1981 and 1985 (the latter reissued on Bullseye in 1991 as "Housefire"). Subsequent dates found Byther cutting some typically tough outings for labels like Bullseye Blues, Delmark, JSP and most recently for Black & Tan. There's no denying the quality of many of those records but "Hold That Train" is something special as Byther reaches deep down, delivering the kind of emotionally wracked intensity that can send shivers down your spine

 On the lean, no frills "Hold That Train", Byther gives a clinic on modern electric Chicago blues over the course of 15 songs clocking in at just over 60 minutes. Byther's slashing guitar and emotionally intense vocals cut right to the bone bringing to mind Luther Allison, Son Seals and Otis Rush at their best. Outside of three originals the material here is mostly covers, a mix of well known numbers and a few lesser known gems but all invested with such burning intensity that they sound absolutely fresh. Among the covers check out the smoldering "Hold That Train Conducter" originally cut by Doctor Clayton and covered notably by Clayton admirer B.B. King which is likely where Byther draws his source, the yearning "Come On In This House" featuring Byther's pleading falsetto and Magic Sam styled riffs, the ominous "Walked All Night Long" with an air of lingering violence and the vicious, insistent shuffle of "What My Mama Told Me." The originals are equally potent particularly the rocking "Mississippi Kid" and the simmering "I Don't Like To Travel."

 "Hold That Train" is a most welcome resissue and a big thanks goes to Delmark for rescuing this classic from obscurity. If you had to pick up just one Byther Smith record this would be the one.

(Jeff Harris)

 
Bobby Rush: FolkFunk (Deep Rush) cd.gif (1045 bytes)

 While many of his contemporaries are slowing down or easing into retirement, 50-year blues veteran Bobby Rush seems to be just hitting his stride. With the launch of his own label in 2003 Rush has cut some of his best records. His latest, "FolkFunk", is no exception, as Rush tries his hand at a more traditional blues sound with resounding success.

 Until recently Bobby Rush was primarily a star on the chitlin' circuit, renowned for his electrifying live shows complete with costume changes, comedy routines and of course those mesmerizing stage dancers. Over the years Rush has cut a series of solid, if not spectacular albums, for LeJam, Ichiban, Waldoxy and Ronn. 2003 was a pivotal year for Rush as he was prominently featured in Richard Pearce's documentary film "The Road To Memphis," broadcast on PBS as part of Martin Scorsese's film series "The Blues" and also saw the launch of his Deep Rush record label. In 2003 Deep Rush released a red hot live DVD/CD of Rush captured at the club Ground Zero in Clarksdale, Mississippi and the studio album "Undercover Lover", one of his finest efforts. "FolkFunk" is yet another excellent outing as Rush tackles his most straight ahead blues effort to date

 This is a stripped down affair featuring one of the blues brightest young talents in guitarist Alvin Youngblood Hart plus Stax session drummer Charlie Jenkins and Steve Johnson on bass from Rush's regular band. Rush tackles the vocals in his typically soulful fashion, blows a considerable amount of harmonica and also shows off some impressive guitar skills, something he hasn't done before. The idea for this one was for Rush to recreate the traditional blues he heard as a boy growing up in Louisiana and Arkansas back in the 40's. That he does but along the way he throws in a a good dose of funk, soul, no nonsense blues and plenty of chitlin' circuit grease. "Feeling Good - Part One" sets the vibe with a relentless old school boogie with such an irresistible groove it had to be continued in the closer "Feeling Good - Part Two." In a similar groove is the fast shuffle of "Ninety-Nine" featuring the jazzy riffs of guitarist Jesse Robinson who led Rush's band in the 80's, the loping "Ride In My Automobile" with Rush begging to be dropped off because his woman has too many drivers at her wheel and some very traditional minded blues in the low-down "Everybody Wants To Know" clearly inspired by Muddy's "My Home Is In The Delta" and "Voodooo Man" a close kin to "Mojo Hand." Other standouts include a funky reading of Percy Mayfield' classic "River's Invitation" and a knockout medley of "When The Saints Go Marching In" and "You Got To Move" titled "Saints Gotta Move." Along the way Rush lets loose on the harmonica as never before and above all sounds like he's having a blast. As originally conceived Alvin Youngblood Hart was on board to showcase his amazing acoustic guitar abilities but as the project evolved this never happened. I would have loved to hear Rush backed by Hart's acoustic guitar and hopefully we'll get to hear this on an upcoming project.

 Those who first got turned on to Bobby Rush during the Martin Scorsese series can't go wrong with "FolkFunk" as Rush brings his unique and exciting spin to these traditional blues numbers. Also highly recommended is is last year's exceptional "Undercover Lover." Oh, and if Bobby Rush comes to your town, run don't walk, it's an experience you won't forget.

-Check out these related links:
Undercover Lover
Bobby Rush Website

(Jeff Harris)


Ernest Lane: The Blues Is Back! (Acoustic Music) cd.gif (1045 bytes)

 Here's a question: what does Robert Nighthawk, Earl Hooker, Canned Heat and the Monkees have in common? The answer is pianist Ernest Lane who's played with them all in a long and varied music career. Now over fifty years after playing on his first record Lane has cut "The Blues Is Back!", his first full length record.

 Growing up in Clarksdale Lane had the right background for a bluesman; his father was a barrelhouse pianist, his boyhood friend was Ike Turner and Pinetop Perkins was a friend of the family who showed the youngster a thing or two. When he was just a teenager Lane hooked up with legendary slide guitarist Robert Nighthawk. Nighthawk eventually took him to Chicago where his solid piano work graced a number of sides cut for the Chess label in 1948-49 including the blues classic "Sweet Black Angel." After Nighthawk he played with Earl Hooker, Houston Stackhouse and others before heading to the California in 1956. There he worked with Jimmy Nolen, George "Harmonica" Smith and was recruited by old buddy Ike Turner to be a member of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. After leaving Ike he joined a group called the Goodtimers who eventually wound up backing the Monkees for about a year on tour. Through the late 60's/early 70's he played and recorded for Canned Heat before giving up music altogether. Recently Lane has been featured on a 2000 release by Eddie C. campbell, played on Ike Turner's comeback record and toured the US and Europe with Ike's band. Not surprisingly "The Blues Is Back!" shows a consummate, seasoned bluesman and above all a tremendous piano player.

 There's very few piano players who play the old school boogie and blues as well as Lane. Players of Lane's caliber are a dying breed with only a handful of guys like Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray and Ike Turner in the same league. Lane has made the most of belated debut on this well produced album that features his rolling, melodic piano right up front along with his rich, expressive vocals which have rarely been featured. The dozen songs are mostly Lane originals with a mix of low down blues, boogies and funkier material. Lane hand picked a seasoned backing band including drummer James Gadsen a veteran of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, trumpeter Mack Johnson who played in the Goodtimers after leaving James Brown, accomplished guitarist Wali Ali, a couple of members of Ike's current band and special guest Big Jay McNeely who blows tenor on one cut. Lane sets the mood with Memphis Slim's slinky stop-time shuffle "Blue And Lonesome" before delving into originals like the late night groove of "The Blues Is Back", the storming jump of "What's Wrong, Baby" (originally cut by him in 1952) as Lane really rolls the ivories, taking it down to a simmer on the insinuating "What I Saw" and Percy Mayfield's "Baby Please" as he croons the blues in fine fashion. Lane's rocking barrelhouse technique is heard to good effect on the driving "Just Like A Woman" plus stellar instrumentals like the romping "Boogiein' At Leon's Place" and especially the bouncy "Lane Shuffle" as Lane really cuts loose throwing in everything but the kitchen sink.

 On "The Blues Is Back!" Ernest Lane finally gets his name on the marquee and makes the most of the opportunity with a rousing piano blues record that sounds timeless and contemporary at the same time. The only downside is that Acoustic Music is on a German label so it's unlikely it will raise Lane's profile as much as if it got a big push from a stateside label. Still, a fine debut and well worth searching for.

-Check out these related links:
Acoustic Music Website (in German)

(Jeff Harris)


W.C. Clark: Deep In The Heart (Alligator) cd.gif (1045 bytes)

  "The Godfather of Austin Blues", as he's known, has been playing the blues on Austin stages and around the world for over 40 years. Clark didn't break out nationally until hooking up with New Orleans-based BlackTop label for a trio of outstanding records in the 90's. After Black Top went under Clark eventually found his way to Alligator releasing "From Austin With Soul", my personal pick for best album of 2002. His follow-up, "Deep in the Heart", was eagerly anticipated and doesn't disappoint with another steamy brew of Texas blues and vintage soul.

 Before he began releasing albums in 1986 (his first was self-released) Clark was often referred to in the local press as Austin's Best-Kept Secret. The word seems to have finally gotten out about Clark although he's still not as well know as he should be. Even before breaking out nationally, Clark cast a huge shadow on the fertile Austin blues scene. He mentored countless young blues players including Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan, Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton and Marcia Ball. Of course before the white kids flocked to Clark he was a seasoned musician. He got his start as a youngster in Texas blues legend T.D. Bell's band and played in other local Austin bands. He met R&B hitmaker Joe Tex, who recruited W.C. to fill the vacant guitar slot in his group. Clark toured the Southern "chitlin' circuit," learning music first-hand from Tex and countless soul and blues stars along the way, including Tyrone Davis and James Brown. "Deep in the Heart" is the sum of that experience, a deeply soulful affair with plenty of gritty Texas blues thrown in for good measure.

 Alligator is known for their slogan "genuine house-rocking music" but while Clark has some serious guitar chops this Texas bluesman prefers to mine the classic Memphis soul sound circa the glory years of Hi Records. Clark's stunning vocals owe a strong debt to Memphis soul legends like O.V. Wright and especially Al Green when he gets to really testifying. It's the kind of voice that can stop you in your tracks and in fact I witnessed Clark literally quite a rowdy bar audience with a spine chilling vocal that had the crowd in an uproar. Clark wisely employs nearly the identical band as his last record including the punchy Texas Horns led by Kaz Kazanoff, Riley Osborne on keyboards, rhythm guitars by Derek O'Brien and Pat Boyack and once again Marcia Ball steps in for some fine vocal duets and piano work. The opener, "Stronger Than You Need To Be", sounds like a lost vintage era soul nugget with a great hook and it just gets better. The classic Dann Penn number "You Left The Water Running" and "Soul Kind Of Loving" are wonderful soulful duets between Clark and Ball, "I Want To Do Everything For You" is another impeccable soul gem featuring great background vocals and the languid "Tip Of The Tongue" is a stunning ballad. In more of a Texas blues vein is the jumping original "Cold Blooded Lover" with some loping T-Bone styled guitar work, "My Texas Home" a steamy blues ballad as Clark cuts loose with some elegant guitar work that builds to a powerful climax, Delbert McClinton's "Ain't Lost Nothin'" a fine blues shuffle featuring some strong harp from Kaz Kazanoff and a swinging horn driven version of Gatemouth Brown's "Okie Dokee Stomp" as Clark unleashes blazing fret work.

 "From Austin With Soul" was a tough one to follow up but with "Deep In The Heart" Clark has managed to pull it off on another deeply satisfying blast of soul drenched blues. Like the previous record this one will undoubtedly be on many year end best-of lists.

-Check out these related links:
From Austin With Soul
W,C. Clark Website

(Jeff Harris)



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