Order these featured CDs today: Robert Cray Buddy Guy Sonny Landreth Yardbirds Michael Burks Memphis Slim Maria Muldaur Jamie Wood Jackie Payne / Steve Edmonson Bob Margolin Harmonica Shah Robert Tillman Michael Hill's Blues Mob Otis Taylor Delmark's 50 Years of Jazz and Blues: Blues

The latest recording by the legendary Buddy Guy is amply titled because of the stripped down and barebones music on this CD. Guy, best known for hard driving electric blues, goes totally acoustic on Blues Singer (Silvertone). The result is a Delta inspired journey which goes back to the basics, as drums and upright bass are used sparingly here. Blues Singer showcases the distinguished voice from one of the most recognized blues singers, with a career that spans over four decades. Buddy reworks some of the most notorious blues songs with ease. The record reunites Guy with the consummate ax man, Eric Clapton. The pair haven’t worked together since the 1991 release of Damn Right I Got The Blues. Guy and Clapton collaborate on two tracks, “Lucy Mae Blues” and “Crawlin’ King Snake” (which also features the signature fret work of none other than B.B. King). Buddy tackles other classics, such as “Anna Lee,” “Moanin’ and Groanin’,” and “I Live The Life I Love." Being produced by Dennis Herring (Buddy’s Sweet Tea, Counting Crows, Cracker, and Jars of Clay) and mixed by Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Dylan, and Eric Clapton) gives Blues Singer an authentic feel with a rootsy vibe of a Robert Johnson recording, and will be a unquestionable contender when Grammy nominations are passed out.
Another review of this CD follows.

Over the past few years, buying a new release by Buddy Guy has been similar to being on Let’s Make A Deal when you have to choose between the box that Monty Hall is holding or what’s behind Curtain Number Two. You’re just as likely to get a $1,000 bill as you are a team of mules pulling a wagon full of fertilizer. Guy’s last effort, Sweet Tea, either thrilled or chilled his fans, but at least it was different from anything else he’d done in the past few years as far as song selection and even musical direction. He seemed to have the eye of the tiger again, and it at least made you enthusiastic about what Guy might have in store for his next album. The answer to that question is Blues Singer (Silvertone), which is about as far removed from its predecessor as can be, at least mood-wise. Though Blues Singer was recorded in the same studio (Sweet Tea in Oxford, MS) and is produced by Dennis Herring, who was also in the producer’s chair for Sweet Tea, and both feature Jimbo Mathis’ accompaniment on guitar, the spotlight is on Guy in an acoustic setting. Half of the 12 tracks feature either Guy and Mathis alone or just Guy. The songs are all covers, including several Delta-based tracks (John Lee Hooker’s “Crawlin’ Kingsnake,” “Black Cat Blues” and “Sally Mae,” Muddy Waters’ “I Love The Life I Live,” Son House’s “Louise McGhee” and Robert Nighthawk’s “Anna Lee”), a couple of tracks from the Bentonia style (Skip James’ “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” and Jack Owens’ “Can’t See Baby”), and tracks by Frankie Lee Sims (“Lucy Mae Blues”), and Johnny Shines (“Moanin’ and Groanin’”). What are the results? Well, it has always been safe to assume that Buddy Guy is at his best when he’s plugged in,  and Blues Singer does nothing to disprove that. While it is a nice relaxed release and quite a change from Guy’s most recent work, sometimes it’s a little too relaxed. Despite the lack of electricity, Guy’s acoustic guitar work is fairly sublime, as are most of his vocals, but there’s something about the production that leaves you cold. It’s quite a change from the ragged edges found in Sweet Tea. Everything here is polished to within an inch of its life. That being said, it stands up better than several of Guy’s most recent efforts from the past decade and it is his most successful foray into acoustic blues so far. Besides, it’s a rare chance to hear B. B. King display his acoustic chops as he appears on “Crawlin’ Kingsnake,” along with Eric Clapton (who also shares lead guitar with Guy on “Lucy Mae Blues“). Fans of Buddy Guy who have endured the wheat and the chaff of the last few years will enjoy this release.

Memphis Slim was surely one of the most prolific recording artists on the blues scene over most of his life. Seldom was any of his work disappointing, but he did have two eras that really stood out: his late '50s sessions for VeeJay Records and his United sessions of the early '50s. Slim's music was always a mixture of roughhouse blues and smooth jazz. His warm vocals were a fine compliment to his piano playing. However, Slim's music was made even better by the presence of guitarist Matt "Guitar" Murphy, whose tasteful, T-Bone Walker-influenced licks were the crowning touch to many of Slim's classics. The United sessions were the first sessions in which Slim, who had previously never employed a guitarist, used Murphy and the result was the best music that either of them ever recorded. Several years ago, Delmark reissued an expanded edition of their wonderful Memphis Slim U.S.A. album, which captured part of the United sessions. The long-awaited follow up, The Come Back, now puts the entire session into print, and proves to be well worth the wait. The Come Back features the first two sessions, which date from November of 1952 through September of 1954. Of the 20 tracks presented here, 11 are previously unissued, including Murphy's first vocal track, the after hours number "Cool Down Baby," and several alternate tracks and auditions. Slim's band, the House Rockers, do just that, especially Jim Conley, whose tenor sax threatens to steal the show on several tracks. Murphy's guitar is just awesome. Anyone who knows him only from his work with the Blues Brothers needs to pick up this disc and see what they're missing. Slim is his usual classy self with his distinctive piano and his smooth vocals. This is a great CD that features Memphis Slim, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, and the House Rockers at their absolute best and is a must-have for fans of piano blues.

Michael Burks returns with his sophomore effort for Alligator Records, I Smell Smoke, and it burns from start to finish. This CD starts out with a dandy cover of Dion Payton’s “All Your Affection Is Gone” and never lets up. Other highlights include the title cut, “Time I Came In Out of The Rain,” which slows things down a bit and features one of Burks’ more effective vocals, Latimore’s “Let The Doorknob Hit You,” “Lie To Me,” another slow-burner with another great vocal, and “I Hope He’s Worth My Pain.” One noticeable difference this time around is with Burks’ more confident vocals. Though he handled the vocals well enough on his previous albums, he seems to be more relaxed behind the microphone, really outdoing himself on the slower numbers. No need to worry about his guitar work though, because there’s no let up there at all. It’s just as powerful as it was on his previous releases, reminiscent of Albert King or Carl Weathersby. Also contributing in a big way are the underrated Vasti Jackson (rhythm guitar), Ernest Williamson (keyboards), David Smith (bass), Steve Potts (drums), and Billy Gibson, the latter adding harmonica to two numbers. The production by Burks, Jim Gaines (who has also produced albums by Santana, Luther Allison and Lonnie Brooks), and Head ‘Gator Bruce Iglauer is up to the usual Alligator standards. Burks has released three excellent discs so far, and continues to improve with each one. Fans of modern high-energy blues guitar will not be disappointed with this release.

--- Graham Clarke

When Peggy Lee passed away in 2002 not much notice was given to the passing of this gifted songstress whose career spanned five decades, encompassing just about every musical style that evolved over that time period. Her sultry, seductive style and suave delivery made many a young man’s heart (including my own) miss a beat or two. One longtime fan, Maria Muldaur, who did notice, and mourned her loss, pays tribute to her with a breathtaking album entitled A Woman Alone With The Blues .... Remembering Peggy Lee (Telarc). Ms. Muldaur conducted some in-depth research before attempting this project and discovered that, in addition to being a marvelous singer, Peggy Lee was also quite the talented songwriter as well, making her a pioneer in the singer/songwriter field. Lee’s signature piece, “Fever,” opens the program, which I thought was rather bold as few singers can do justice to this piece like Lee did. But Muldaur’s poise and sexy presentation of this classic ranks alongside the original. Following up is “I Don’t Know Enough About You,” which was co-written by Lee, and executed by Muldaur with a sparkling twinkle in her voice that leaves no doubt about the fun she is having singing it. The sensuous “Moments Like This” finds Muldaur crooning so softly that you might wonder if she was receiving a sensual massage while she cut this number, as her voice sways through the lyrics with an almost lusty passion. “Winter Weather” receives a gorgeous treatment with old friend (and probably one of the most underrated singers I have ever heard) Dan Hicks trading off the lyrics with Maria and overlaid against a swinging horn arrangement by way of reed man Jim Rothermel, whose clarinet solo on this number will perk your ears up. The slick and suggestive naughtiness of “Some Cats Know” will make just about anyone squirm and blush due to Maria’s sensual delivery and some velvety piano licks. Two of Lee’s originals, the upbeat boogying “Everything Is Moving Too Fast” and the jazzy yearnings of “Waiting For The Train To Come In,” are placed right in the middle of this exquisite collection. “Freedom Train,” which follows, allows Muldaur to stretch out her vocal chords extensively before purring out the pretty but somewhat sad tale of “Black Coffee.” The title track is a smoky number that will touch both men and women alike with its emotional passionate longing, as will “For Every Man There’s A Woman.” The quick paced “I’m Gonna Go Fishin,” which Peggy Lee co-wrote with jazz legend Duke Ellington, wraps things up tightly on an upbeat note. Maria is backed by a very tight eight piece ensemble that is such an integral part of this recording that to not give all of them their just due would be shameful. Danny Caron is responsible for the sweet guitar licks you’ll hear, the immensely talented David Torkanowsky tickles the black and whites, Neal Cain provides the creamy bass lines, and Arthur Lalin II takes credit for the skins and swirling brushwork. Both of these gentleman were borrowed from Harry Connick’s band for this project. Jeff Lewis on trumpet and Kevin Porter on trombone are two thirds of a brilliant horn section that is rounded out by the previously mentioned Jim Rothermel on alto and tenor saxes, clarinet and flute, in addition to all horn arrangements. Last, but surely not least, Gerry Grosz supplies the cool vibes. This whole album is a joy to behold, with its flowing pace and sparkling lush arrangements that seem to come to life through direct digital mastering. The is one of those releases that makes you want to listen to it the more you play it, and is a perfect album for a romantic candlelit dinner or just plain snuggling with someone special. Maria Muldaur has always been a great singer, but she is truly exceptional on this outing, as her passion for her material is evident on every syllable she sings. If I had to choose one word to describe this record it would simply be... magnificent!

Upon my first listen to Jamie Wood’s Ain’t No Doubt About It (Pacific Blues Recording Company), I thought I had stumbled across an album from a juke joint diva that was released maybe 60 or 70 years ago. What tipped me off that it wasn’t was that there was no crackling and popping as would be commonplace for a recording from that era. So I did what any other blues lover would do --- I sat back and listened in complete awe to this fascinating recording. Drawing mostly on material from that time period and four of her own original works, Ms. Wood has reached back in time and deep into the heart and soul of the blues and given us a recording that will withstand the test of time. One of the reasons this album is so good is the spectacular quintet and the genuine appreciation they have for the material. They are: former James Harman guitarist Nathan James, Johnny Rover, who was a protégé of the late William Clarke, blowin the chromatic harp, another William Clarke alumnus, Tyler Pedersen thumping the upright bass, Carl Sonny Leland massaging the 88s so very finely, and Johnny Morgan pounding the skins. The album's opening number, “Doin' The Boogie Woogie,” sets the mood for the rest of the 14 tracks with its jazzy beat and rolling Fats Waller-styled piano licks courtesy of Carl Sonny Leland at the forefront, alongside Jamie’s slightly nasal but so very pleasant voice evoking the sly lyrics. “Kissin In The Dark” is a subject I think most of us are familiar with, and is highlighted by solos from Johnny Rover and Nathan James. The first of four originals is the album's title number that may bring to mind speakeasies and flappers truckin’ to it’s snappy beat. Louis Jordan was one of Jamie’s influences; she is joined by James Harman for a jumping, jiving and rhyming updated version of “Look Out (Sister,Look Out).” Memphis Minnie’s “Why Don’t You Do Right” is a somewhat somber tale of a loser, sung with a silky smoothness that is complimented by a fabulous arrangement and a hauntingly beautiful harp accompaniment. Jack Dupree’s “Sharp Harp” is the first of two instrumentals you will encounter, with Rover and Leland laying down some razor sharp licks. The second instrumental, ”Countless Blues,” allows the whole band to stretch out and jam to a frenzied finish. A hilarious play on words is what’s in store for you on another Wood original, “Hock That Rock,” which is a tale of a lady’s taste for diamonds and pearls but who is stuck with a gambling hubby. A soaring covering of Roosevelt Sykes’ “Don’t Talk Me To Death (a.k.a. 47th Street Jive)” has Jamie airing out her pipes to their fullest and Carl Leland sounding like he grew another hand on the piano. Jamie sights Jimmy Rushing as a major influence on her work, so it’s no surprise that “Say You Don’t Mean It” is one of the hottest numbers on the album. Jamie kicks out the jams on her own “High Time Baby,” turning in a rousing vocal performance that would make the old roadhouse divas envious. To try to classify this spectacular recording as any one genre is damned near impossible, so let’s just call it a marriage of '30s blues, '40s jazz and post-WWII swing, stirred together with juke joint bebop. Produced and engineered by studio wizard Jerry Hall, the sound and feel that comes across on every track is so authentic that you sort of miss the crackles and pops that your brain keeps telling you should be there. Jamie Wood possesses a captivatingly sweet voice and style that as the years go by will be harder to find. If you can’t find this absolute treat of an album at your local music store and just gotta lay your hands on a copy, it can be ordered directly at www.pacificblues.com. Ain’t No Doubt About It leaves no doubt in this reviewers mind that this is one of the best albums he has heard this year. Ms. Wood and company get a standing ovation for this beauty!

Every so often a singer comes along that completely captivates you with their voice, delivery, stage presence, attitude and uncanny ability to entertain you from your head to your toes. Janiva Magness is one such singer; her third outing as a leader, entitled Use What You Got (Blues Leaf Records), finds one of Southern California's prettiest voices in top form and shaking the blues tree to its very roots with her spiffy style that belongs solely to her alone. Her latest gemstone of a record is 13 tracks of primarily covers that share a common theme of doing what you got to do to make it in this world with the hand that you are dealt. The album’s saucy title tune playfully reflects this sentiment, with Janiva purring and vamping her way through the bopping story of lady with some meat on her bones proclaiming she “...ain’t 36 no place...,” but still knows and uses what she’s got to keep her man satisfied. Denise La Salle’s “Find A Fool” gets a funky R&B treatment of the age old problem of the cheating sweetie, and features a stunning solo from guitarist Zach Zunis, whose name you may recognize from his work with William Clarke, Billy Boy Arnold, Albert Collins and Otis Rush, to name just a few. The one original number, “How Much Longer (Is That Train Gonna Blow)," cooks comfortably under Janiva’s commanding vocals, and is contributed by Janiva’s hubby Jeff Turmes, who is on hand playing bass on three tunes and tenor and baritone saxes throughout the album. Covering a Billie Holiday number like “Stormy Blues” can sometimes be risky business for a singer, but when you have the talent this lady does it’s second nature as she delivers a smoldering performance on what, in my opinion, is the best tune on the album. Johnny "Guitar" Watson’s “You Better Love Me” and Magic Sam’s “That’s Why I’m Cryin” find Magness reaching down deep inside for that little extra bit of emotion that detonates explosively through her vocals, at times raising a bit of goose flesh and causing you to hit the replay button. “Who’s Gonna Help A Brother Get Further” is infused with a combination of Motown and Stax Records' soulful rhythms, nestled comfortably around Janiva's take charge delivery. A gorgeous version of “Who Will The Next Fool Be,” which might be familiar to some listeners as a Bobby Bland number, has an almost gospel feel to it with Ms. Magness just plain singing her heart out and also featuring the piano and swirling organ mastery of Andy Kaulkin. A red hot cover of both Ike Turner’s “Match Box” and Slim Harpo’s “Don’t Start Crying Now” wrap things up nicely and leaves you chomping at the bit for the next album. Few artists can successfully produce themselves, but that is not the case here with this record’s evenly paced flow, balance and squeaky clean sound, which can be accredited to the lady whose name is on the marquee and is also the sole producer. Use What You Got is one hell of a record from one hell of a great singer who puts her heart and soul into everything she does. I would really like to know why this incredible talent is not a household name in the blues community, because if there has been a better female blues singer to emerge in the last five years, I surely have not heard her. Put Use What You Got high on your shopping list.

--- Steve Hinrichsen

Partners in the Blues (Burnside Records), from The Jackie Payne/Steve Edmonson Band is a unique partnership, one between a vocalist and a guitarist. Many guitarists refuse to work with a band mate who just sings, as if such a person isn’t pulling his or her own weight. Most vocalists are bandstand bosses rather than partners. Jackie Payne wants to express himself, and has plenty to say. Steve Edmonson has made a mental leap most guitarists haven’t; he has figured out how to feel artistically rewarded while playing guitar, even when others on the bandstand or in the studio are heard as well. What results is a tighter fit than one usually finds in modern, urban blues. If most of their big blues band peers' recordings were compared to neatly stacked piles of bricks, Partners in the Blues would have to be seen as bricks professionally mortared, joisted, and built into a sturdy house. The structural strength achieved by the Payne/Edmonson partnership is that dramatic and that obvious. You will get it halfway through the first song. Put in random rotation on your CD player with, say, “best of” records by James Cotton, Big Twist & the Mellow Fellows and Bobby “Blue” Bland, this record will more than hold its own. I mean no disrespect for the many fine acts out there working with harmonica, second guitarists, horn sections and keyboards beefing up basic blues bands in praising Partners in the Blues so highly. There are better guitarists out there than Steve Edmonson. There are better (a few … fewer every day) soul/blues singers out there than Jackie Payne. There are not better acts than this one, thanks to a spiritual brotherhood between the front men that’s more sensed than heard, more felt than intellectually perceived. By the way, the track list comes from the greasy/funky soul/blues undercurrent stomping grounds shared by the ghosts of Otis Redding and Albert King, and it’s a beautiful frame for the act. “Tell It Like It Is,” usually identified with Aaron Neville, will drop you the way a tornado would drop the abovementioned un-mortared piles of bricks.

Kinzel & Hyde's Oklahoma Credit Card was one of my favorite discs of last year. Swinging, deep in the pocket, with first-rate production --- in spite of being overlooked by established labels big and small. One of the most knock-down amazing bands in the land, it’s a mystery why a slew of labels aren’t circling ‘round their front door. Lynn Ann Hyde is a seriously hot harp player, Stu Kinzel just sizzles on guitar, and both are extremely impressive singers. They’ve surrounded themselves with remarkable players in drummers John Beyer and Gary Herrman, bassists Landon Seelig and Steve Adams, mandolinist Barb Galloway, and backup singers Megan James and Lily Wilde. It wasn’t long ago that they were a duo, so apparently something is going well. It’s still about the harp and guitar, though. “Got My Eye On You” is a showcase for both players. Bluesy to the core, with a heavy-burdened beat over which the principals soar, it shines most brightly in a collection of gems. Guitar and harp both qualify as stunning and flat-out jaw-dropping. There’s a decided west coast feel to the disc, though Kinzel & Hyde are equally comfortable playing Chicago blues, as on Hyde’s tribute to Billy Boy Arnold, “Ode to Rockinitis,” and Kinzel’s “Muddy Tribute,” not to mention the un-credited “Can’t Lose What You Never Had.” They visit the bayou, too, for a swamped-up “Lonesome La La,” a sort of redo on Lee Dorsey’s “Ya Ya,” replete with backing vocals. The beautiful “Northern Town,” with Hyde taking lead vocals and Kinzel offering a slide reminiscent of the Stones’ “No Expectations,” works out of an Americana landscape, offering a glimpse at yet another musical aspect of the duo. Lynn Ann Hyde’s “Something Fried” is a swinging ode to late night food, and “Live High (Spaghetti Western)” sounds just like a theme song in search of a movie. There’s nothing remotely resembling filler. This is stellar top to bottom. It may end up being one of my favorite discs of 2003, too.

Detroit’s Harmonica Shah and his sidekick, guitarist Howard Glazer, have a powerful third album, Tell It To Your Landlord (Electro-Fi), that will surely appeal to fans of straight-ahead, raw, unadulterated blues. That’s not to infer that this is blues-by-the-book. Hardly. The concept of risk-taking is burned in. Though all but one of the dozen tunes herein are credited to Shah as sole or co-composer, they sound almost like stream-of-consciousness instant compositions. Shah doesn’t do “songs” so much as tell stories. The opening “Slow & Easy,” credited to Shah and Glazer, borrows liberally from “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” and allots plenty of solo space to Shah’s vocals and harp and Glazer’s ultra-tasty guitar. As is the case throughout, the rhythm section of bassist Bob Godwin and drummer Art ‘Thunder’ Vaughn (replaced by Charles Stuart on two tunes) lays down a foundation hearty enough to build a blues skyscraper on. Shah and Glazer trade licks on “Guilty,” a song infused with shades of “Backdoor Man” and Hooker as much as with a '70s jam band feel. Following “Hey Detroit,” a tight up-tempo instrumental number, the band breaks into the captivating “Mean & Evil.” Glazer’s acoustic work here is first rate and Shah’s vocals (“...she gotta be from Detroit, Michigan to have nothing but evil on her mind...”) are deep out of the tradition. His acoustic harp work is equally impressive. “Heard You Were At The Casino” is another deep plodding workout. Shah’s at his real-life blues best here, singing, “...I heard you was at the casino. They say you were high as you could be. You was huggin’ and kissin’ on this other man. Darlin’ you ain’t never hugged and kissed on me like that at all. Now woman you know damn well that ain’t right...” Glazer’s filigree fills are well executed and the rhythm is tight, tight, tight. “Champagne (Cheap Bottle of Wine)” has an almost Siegel-Schwall “Hush Hush” rhythm, and the cover of the Slim Harpo classic, “Scratch My Back,” has a few Shah-isms spun into the band’s excellent version. Lest listeners doubt the Shah band’s affiliation, there’s “Crying Michigan Tears,” on which Harmonica Shah sings, “...Detroit is a cold, cold city/nobody cares about you and your name/I feel so bad and downhearted/that’s why I’m crying these Michigan tears...” The instrumental title tune showcases Glazer, especially, and Shah showing off impressive chops. More of the same is brought to bear on the closing “Someday,” on which Glazer peels off sweet licks over which Shah blows and sings about juggling the woman who lives upstairs and his own. Blues. Street blues, real life blues. In Andrew Galloway’s liners, it is written that Shah doesn’t like “clean blues.” His are about getting into the dirt. This is not refined, it’s not slick, it’s not predictable. This is real, raw and authentic Detroit blues. The deal as real as it gets.

--- Mark E. Gallo

Robert Tillman, though not a household name in most parts, has been one around this household since his first release on Ace (U.S.) in 1992. Possessing a unique falsetto voice that sometimes reminds one of Al Green or perhaps Richard "Dimples" Field, Tillman can make a song his own, as witnessed on his new CD, Still Thinking (Waldoxy Records), by the great cover of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." His unique delivery creates a new updated version that will bring a smile to many new faces. It was pleasing to see that the Waldoxy division of Malaco Records has given another proven veteran a chance. It was only last month that I reviewed their new Chuck Strong release, another soul veteran with a history of making great music. Who's next, Malaco --- Billy "Soul" Bonds??? In reading the liner notes of that 1992Ace release, the musicians read like a who's who of New Orleans music. Check this out --- on piano: James Booker, Charles Brown, Huey "Piano" Smith, Dr. John; on saxophone: Lee Allen, Alvin "Red "Tyler; on Trumpet: Harrison Calloway --- and the list goes on. After two releases on John Vincent's Ace Records and one on his Avanti label in 1998, he moves on with this new Waldoxy modern-sounding release (Malaco's releases always sound great). In addition to the aforementioned Marvin Gaye track, Tillman acknowledges Al Green by covering his "You Babe," as he did on the Avanti CD with his great cover of the early Al Green classic "Back Up Train." Tillman wrote ten of the 12 songs on this new one, so there is a definite evolution there. In closing, this is an excellent new release by a great singer whose distinctive voice deserves to be heard by one and all. Kudos to Waldoxy for another fine release and resurrecting the recording career of yet another fine performer.

--- Alan Shutro

Michael Hill's Blues Mob, in my opinion, has been one of the better recording acts to come along in the blues world in the past ten years. After four albums, three for Alligator Records plus one independent release, and a regular touring schedule, it was only natural that these road warriors would cut a live album. For many bands, live albums are often inferior to its studio output, marred by mediocre sound quality and the note for note rehashing of songs they've already recorded. That's not the case with Electric Storyland Live (Ruf Records), the new double-CD disc recorded at two separate venues in Hill's native New York. The biggest difference between these shows and Hill's studio albums is the absence of keyboards backing the band. The Blues Mob functions quite well as a power trio, with the lack of the fourth instrument barely noticeable. The sound is excellent. While many of the 16 songs included here were included on previous albums, the Blues Mob pump new energy into them on Electric Storyland Live. Hill, one of the better songwriters of the newer generation of blues artists, has a unique talent of delivering politically-charged, thought-provoking songs, yet, as they used to say on American Bandstand, you can dance to it. The better jams are the extended medleys on disc two, which was recorded in a larger venue. The first is "'Bloodlines' Trilogy," featuring three powerful tunes from the Blues Mob's 1994 debut album; "Why We Play The Blues," "Can't Recall A Time" and "Hard Blues For Hard Times" were three of the stronger songs from the Bloodlines album, and here they blend seamlessly together, both musically and topically. Hill shows his instrumental prowess on a collection of Cream covers, entitled "Chocolate Cream Jam," on which the band rips through versions of "Sunshine Of Your Love" and "Crossroads." Rising blues star Ana Popovic joins the band on stage for the final cut of disc two, "Young Folks Blues," with a decent guitar solo. Disc one was recorded in a smaller club, thus it has a more intimate feel and Hill is given more opportunity to do something he does very well, which is to tell musical stories to the audience.  The two best examples are the historically significant "Monticello Nights," in which Hill recounts the now well-documented affair between Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings, and "Grandmother's Blues," a chilling account of an old woman, who when facing eviction from her apartment, is brought down by NYPD. For fans of Michael Hill's Blues Mob, Electric Storyland Live will be a nice complement to your existing MHBM collection. New listeners can use this disc as a starting point to explore the studio works of this fine New York band.

Like Michael Hill (see above review), Otis Taylor is one of the most provocative songwriters of the current generation of blues artists. There is no subject too controversial for Taylor to tackle. Even with a move to semi-major blues label Telarc Records, Taylor's songwriting on Truth Is Not Fiction runs the gamut from the struggles of a Native American family ("Kitchen Towel") to a folk tale taking place in a Russian prison ("House of the Crosses") to the story of a black man daring to drive through a white neighborhood ("Be My Witness"). The difference between Truth Is Not Fiction and Taylor's previous independent releases is that there is more of an urgency to the music here; he doesn't present as much of a brooding sound as in the past. Accompaniment is provided by Taylor's regular musical partner, Kenny Passarelli, on bass and keyboards, while other musicians jump in and out depending on the needs of the individual song. Taylor himself switches between acoustic lap steel guitar, electric mandolin, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo and Spanish guitar. The album opens with "Rosa, Rosa," a stirring tribute to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks; this is the first of several songs to include the unique sound of cello accompaniment. The aforementioned "Kitchen Towel" is a chilling number about an old Native American woman shot by authorities, with the recurring line "...never should have left the reservation..." This tune features traditional Native American drumming and chanting. Among the other strong numbers is "Nasty Letter," with Spanish guitar from Taylor and more cello accompaniment from Ben Sollee; the tempo increases throughout this song, growing to an urgent, almost frantic ending.  The album ends with the only cover tune, a rendition of Big Joe Williams' "Baby Please Don't Go," with strong lead guitar work from Eddie Turner. Truth Is Not Fiction only adds to Otis Taylor's reputation as one of the most exciting blues artists of our time. It's well worth adding to your blues library.

Not all blues performances have to make you spend your time pondering the meaning of life and its inhumanities. Sometimes the music just has to make you feel good. That's the case with a strong independent release from Southern California band Little Chris and the Night Crawlers. Bone Blue (Gusano Records) is comprised of a dozen cuts, with four of the songs being original compositions from the pen of bandleader / lead vocalist / harmonica player Chris Fast. Kicking things off is the up-tempo shuffle "Too Poor," with good harmonica by Fast and the first of many hot blues guitar solos from Hank Barrio. The band doesn't just echo Willie Dixon's version of "29 Ways," but puts their own sound to it, slowing down the tempo and backing Barrio's tasty slide guitar with the tight horn section of Alfredo Ballesteros and Bud Deal. One of the original numbers, the swampy "Flipped Her Wig," makes one imagine what the early Lazy Lester would have sounded like if Louisiana producer Jay Miller had backed him with a couple of saxes. Fast is a more than competent singer, heard to best effect on the up-tempo numbers like the party stomper "Tryin' to Have Fun," which includes fiery guitar licks from Barrio. One of the album's highlights is Fast's singing and harp blowing on a Little Walter medley of "Too Late Brother / Hate To See You Go"; the saxophone solo is alone worth the price of admission. This number takes me on a trip back to the '70s, when there were harmonica-led bands playing in just about every blues bar around; maybe it's because Fast's playing reminds me of that of Nighthawks' harmonica cat Mark Wenner, who I saw frequently during that era. The interplay between the harmonica and the horns is especially effective on the mid-tempo "Bad Bad Whiskey," which opens with an a cappella vocal chorus over the band's synchronized finger snapping. Former rock icon Delaney Bramlett (when's the last time you heard THAT name?) makes a guest appearance, playing National slide guitar on his own "Moanin' Blues," a simple country blues number on which Fast sings with more of a growl in his voice. Not only is the music of top quality on Bone Blue, but the album cover is one of the most unique designs I've seen in a long time. (Just watch where you place that elbow, bone daddy!). For more info, check the band's web site - www.littlechris.com.

Legendary Chicago blues and jazz label Delmark Records commemorates 50 years in the music biz this year. To launch their celebration, coincidentally during the Year of the Blues, they've issued a fine double-CD entitled, simply enough, 50 Years of Jazz and Blues: Blues (Delmark). This collection covers a wide range of blues territory, yet the album has a nice flow to it. It's not a "desert island" disc, by any stretch of the imagination, but a solid listen for both veteran and novice blues listeners. Most importantly, the best cuts had me rushing back to the original albums to hear more ... and isn't that just what an anthology like this is supposed to do? The compiler of the CD has the cuts weaving in and out of different blues stylings, but there's none of the "cow pasture" methodology of just plopping in cuts that don't jive with the rest of the surrounding songs. Among the better numbers here is the smooth soul singing of Syl Johnson on "I Like Your Style." I had completely forgotten about the wonderful Chicago blues singer Jesse Fortune; his "Dark Is The Night," from Fortune Tellin' Man, was exquisite, and to think there were even better cuts on that particular album. Equally magnificent is guitarist Robert Ward's "New Role Soul," from the album of the same name. Of course, it wouldn't be a Delmark collection without at least one cut from Magic Sam, the previously un-issued "Everything's Gonna Be Alright," from the same session that gave us the live album Rockin' Wild In Chicago. (For more information on Delmark's historic Magic Sam albums, check this month's Blues Bytes Flashback). I could go on, but it's late and there are just too many fine artists to mention. Instead, go get the CD and hear it for yourself; it's priced inexpensively in order to fit into most blues budgets. And by the way, this is just the first of a collection of Delmark anthologies on the way ... watch this space next month for reviews of a quartet of theme-based compilations.

--- Bill Mitchell

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