Jimmy "T99" Nelson: Legend (Nettie Marie)   

 One of the most satisfying comebacks in recent years has been the re-emergence of big voiced blues singer Jimmy "T99" Nelson. Nelson is a Houston legend who earned his moniker back in 1951 with his immortal chart topper 'T-99 Blues." "Legend" is Nelson's third record since his terrific 1999 comeback, "Rockin' and Shoutin' The Blues", and finds him once again in top form.

 Blessed with a thick, booming voice and a hip delivery Nelson waxed a batch of fine platters for Modern in the early 50's but only scored big with the aforementioned "T-99 Blues." Thankfully Ace has seen fit to reissue this material on the marvelous "Cry Hard Luck: The RPM And Kent Recordings 1951-61." After Modern, Nelson bounced through a number of small labels before giving up music in the 60's. It wasn't until the 80's that he decided to refocus his energies on music playing locally and making some guest appearances on records and at festivals. Now well into his comeback, the ageless blues crooner has turned out another batch of crisply written blues originals delivered with that impeccable phrasing and delivery, making it sound all so easy.

 While he never achieved the success of his one time mentor, Big Joe Turner, Nelson resides firmly in the tradition of those big voiced blues belters who dominated the charts in the late 40's and 50's. What sets Nelson apart is a hip delivery and an unerring ability to to lay down a deep, swinging, irresistible groove. Nelson also happens to be a terrific blues composer delivering perfectly crafted 3 to 4 minute songs with a storyteller's gift, packed with plenty of humor and a poet's gift for wordplay. It's a winning combination that's has remained intact through the years. Backing Nelson, as they did on his prior albums, is a swinging eight piece band composed of ex-Roomful of Blues members including Duke Robillard on guitar. There's also a very good uncredited harp player who shines on a few numbers. Nelson is in fine fettle and gets things started with the moody slow groover "The Devil's Sending Up A Blessing To You" a hilarious morality tale of bad luck that he delivers with impeccable phrasing: "Your fishing boat's sinking/You swim like a rock/Repeat after me, nearer my God to thee/You're looking at hell and hell's looking right back at you/The devil's sending a blessing up to you." Nelson and the boys lock into irresistible groove on swinging, risque numbers like "My Country Woman" and "One Step At A Time" while "Be Knowing What I Got To Do" sports a tougher, downhome feel with some strong amplified harp. Nelson has a penchant for tackling standards and lays down a dreamy, Louie Armstrong inspired version of the lovely "Sleepy Time Down South."

 I've been an unabashed fan of Nelson's ever since I first heard a collection of those classics Modern sides many years ago. Everything that makes those records so timeless, the witty wordplay, the unerring phrasing and swing are still evident in Nelson's current recordings. "Legend", like all of Neslon's slim output, comes highly recommended.

(Jeff Harris)