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DOUG MacLEOD
Between Somewhere And GoodbyeReference Records
Ty Cobb holds the Major League Baseball record for the best lifetime batting average at .367. If you compare Doug MacLeod’s record for recordings and how many were awarded Blues Music Awards (eight) and nominated for other various blues awards, he would be batting just over 1,000. His latest CD on his return to Reference Records, Between Somewhere And Goodbye, is a surefire way to keep his 1,000+ percentage streak alive.
You may also enjoy Debra B. Shiff's and Doug MacLeod’s “Murder At The Crossroads – A Blues Mystery” a 2022 fictional read that is rife with references of musicians only MacLeod could frame so deliciously with his words as he presents his experiences and insights to the readers.
MacLeod wrote nine of the 11 tunes and cowrote two others. He offers up vocals and guitar on all tunes and divides his backing musicians and singers into two named groups in the CD’s generous 16-page enclosed booklet. The “Funky Chester Rhythm Section” is comprised of Paul Ossola on electric and stand-up bass, Mark T. Jordan on electric piano and organ, Lynn Williams on drums and percussion and Andreas Warner on second acoustic guitar on “Memphis In Your Soul” and “Hard Times.” Vocalists Cindy Walker, Marie Lewey and Carla Russell are named “The Shoal Sisters.”
Fellow guitarists may want to take notice of his instruments and various tunings: he plays a Waterloo WL-S Deluxe and a vintage Gibson C-100FE. Besides Standard Tuning, he uses Dropped D, Open D, Too Many D’s and Bastard G Tunings. The last pair of tunings are of MacLeod’s naming.
With a foot stomping percussive beat, “Memphis In Your Soul” tries to enter yours with McLeod’s singular voice, his adept guitar and the added shadings of Warner’s acoustic instrument as the Shoal Sisters sing often “Add some Memphis in your soul.” By the end of this tune, Memphis is likely imbedded into yours.
Singer/songwriter MacLeod is also a storyteller as he then takes you on a musical journey in the title cut, “Between Somewhere And Goodbye” as he relates, “On your journey, travel light…your wealth is not measured by what you possess, your riches live inside you so you can travel with less…”
Outstanding track is “Even Angels Get Too Sad To Fly” with the Funky Charles Rhythm Section providing a hypnotic track that’s caressed with MacLeod’s most tender vocals and punctuated with the pleasing sounds of his Waterloo guitar, affectionately named “P-Nut.”
Closing out the CD with “Watching The Sun Go Down,” MacLeod shares his visual take on his home surroundings sitting on his front porch as he paints a picture via his words and P-Nut on that peaceful, contented and appreciative vision of his life at that moment. I highly recommend getting this CD so you too can enjoy the delicious music that is recorded therein. --Pete Sardon
You may also enjoy Debra B. Shiff's and Doug MacLeod’s “Murder At The Crossroads – A Blues Mystery” a 2022 fictional read that is rife with references of musicians only MacLeod could frame so deliciously with his words as he presents his experiences and insights to the readers.
MacLeod wrote nine of the 11 tunes and cowrote two others. He offers up vocals and guitar on all tunes and divides his backing musicians and singers into two named groups in the CD’s generous 16-page enclosed booklet. The “Funky Chester Rhythm Section” is comprised of Paul Ossola on electric and stand-up bass, Mark T. Jordan on electric piano and organ, Lynn Williams on drums and percussion and Andreas Warner on second acoustic guitar on “Memphis In Your Soul” and “Hard Times.” Vocalists Cindy Walker, Marie Lewey and Carla Russell are named “The Shoal Sisters.”
Fellow guitarists may want to take notice of his instruments and various tunings: he plays a Waterloo WL-S Deluxe and a vintage Gibson C-100FE. Besides Standard Tuning, he uses Dropped D, Open D, Too Many D’s and Bastard G Tunings. The last pair of tunings are of MacLeod’s naming.
With a foot stomping percussive beat, “Memphis In Your Soul” tries to enter yours with McLeod’s singular voice, his adept guitar and the added shadings of Warner’s acoustic instrument as the Shoal Sisters sing often “Add some Memphis in your soul.” By the end of this tune, Memphis is likely imbedded into yours.
Singer/songwriter MacLeod is also a storyteller as he then takes you on a musical journey in the title cut, “Between Somewhere And Goodbye” as he relates, “On your journey, travel light…your wealth is not measured by what you possess, your riches live inside you so you can travel with less…”
Outstanding track is “Even Angels Get Too Sad To Fly” with the Funky Charles Rhythm Section providing a hypnotic track that’s caressed with MacLeod’s most tender vocals and punctuated with the pleasing sounds of his Waterloo guitar, affectionately named “P-Nut.”
Closing out the CD with “Watching The Sun Go Down,” MacLeod shares his visual take on his home surroundings sitting on his front porch as he paints a picture via his words and P-Nut on that peaceful, contented and appreciative vision of his life at that moment. I highly recommend getting this CD so you too can enjoy the delicious music that is recorded therein. --Pete Sardon
JOE BONAMASSABreakthroughJ&R Adventures viaMascot Label Group
Joe’s title track opens with “Oh, I’m headed for a breakthrough, seen it all, gonna take me a hammer and knock down the wall…. I shed no tears when I see things clearly.” Judging by the nine tunes that follow, he definitely “sees things clearly” as he has assembled his backing band of Josh Smith on guitar, Calvin Turner on bass, Reese Wynans on keys, Lemar Carter on drums and percussion with Jade MacRae and Dannielle DeAndrea providing backing vocals. Joe leads this crack team of musicians with his vocals, guitar and slide expertise.
Unselfishly saved for the middle track, the one song Joe penned himself, “Broken Record,” is an outstanding song that reveals the softness/poignancy of his vocals as his lyrics, guitar and backing musicians weave together a perfectly rising sound. The remaining tunes are cowritten with four by Tom Hambridge, two each by Kevin Shirley and Gary Nicholson and one with James House as these collaborations certainly share the wealth lyrically.
Joe’s guitar playing, slide and tones have more facets than a fine diamond. Each tune is an opportunity to hear how so many years of refinement in his tone, albeit it loud at times, is eminently listenable as each new musical facet is revealed through the ten songs. The back beat of Wynans, Turner and Carter gives the others a solid foundation that allows them all to soar. To say that Joe’s band is tight is an understatement.
Joe is relentless in his work ethic as Breakthrough was recorded in studios triangulated from Greece to Tennessee to California. He tours in Europe as well as America and hosts a Blues cruise to Alaska. His dedication to his craft, high energy and goal of always improving has left a trail of over 50 recordings by himself or with others. And, he’s still in his ‘40s! He is not only one of the vanguards of the future of Blues, but his influence in Journeyman Records is helping propel the future of other notable Blues performers like Joanne Shaw Taylor and Robert Jon & The Wreck. No slouch himself, Joe has been awarded four Blues Music Awards to date.
Serendipitously, the outstanding UK Guitarist Issue 526 was sent out a week after Breakthrough was released with Joe quoting on the cover, “I’ve got to move air. All my heroes played loud…” It has a 14-page roundup with color photos about his favorite guitars and the rigs he uses when touring.
For our local subscribers (you too can subscribe for free at southlandlblues.com), Joe is appearing at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles on July 31st. Go for the trifecta: obtain Breakthrough (CD or LP), find Guitarist issue 526 and see Joe in concert at The Greek Theater! --Pete Sardon
Unselfishly saved for the middle track, the one song Joe penned himself, “Broken Record,” is an outstanding song that reveals the softness/poignancy of his vocals as his lyrics, guitar and backing musicians weave together a perfectly rising sound. The remaining tunes are cowritten with four by Tom Hambridge, two each by Kevin Shirley and Gary Nicholson and one with James House as these collaborations certainly share the wealth lyrically.
Joe’s guitar playing, slide and tones have more facets than a fine diamond. Each tune is an opportunity to hear how so many years of refinement in his tone, albeit it loud at times, is eminently listenable as each new musical facet is revealed through the ten songs. The back beat of Wynans, Turner and Carter gives the others a solid foundation that allows them all to soar. To say that Joe’s band is tight is an understatement.
Joe is relentless in his work ethic as Breakthrough was recorded in studios triangulated from Greece to Tennessee to California. He tours in Europe as well as America and hosts a Blues cruise to Alaska. His dedication to his craft, high energy and goal of always improving has left a trail of over 50 recordings by himself or with others. And, he’s still in his ‘40s! He is not only one of the vanguards of the future of Blues, but his influence in Journeyman Records is helping propel the future of other notable Blues performers like Joanne Shaw Taylor and Robert Jon & The Wreck. No slouch himself, Joe has been awarded four Blues Music Awards to date.
Serendipitously, the outstanding UK Guitarist Issue 526 was sent out a week after Breakthrough was released with Joe quoting on the cover, “I’ve got to move air. All my heroes played loud…” It has a 14-page roundup with color photos about his favorite guitars and the rigs he uses when touring.
For our local subscribers (you too can subscribe for free at southlandlblues.com), Joe is appearing at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles on July 31st. Go for the trifecta: obtain Breakthrough (CD or LP), find Guitarist issue 526 and see Joe in concert at The Greek Theater! --Pete Sardon
THE ALEXIS P. SUTER BANDJust Stay HighNola Blue Records
Look up Webster’s definition of “powerful” and you’ll likely see a hologram of Alexis P. Suter. In the song, “Big Girl Panties” she touts, “I am smart. I am strong. I can handle anything going on.” Judging from the fourteen tunes on Just Stay High, she’s singing the truth.
The opening track, “God Gave Me The Blues,” introduces the listener to Suter as she sings, “God gave me the blues, what the hell was he thinking about?!” If you are hearing her vocals for the first time, they will be pleasantly imbedded in your brain and instantly recognizable again as you seek out her seven previous CDs.
Suter’s band includes Jimmy and Paul Bennett on guitar and bass respectively, Ray Grappone on drums, Daniel Weiss on keys with Suter on vocals along with Vicky Bell and Peter Bennett. Additional musicians include Byron Issacs on bass, Will Bryant on keys and melodica and Lee Falco on drums and percussion. It’s nice having the songs listed to contain the array of musicians in Suter’s band so one can easily discern their individual talents. If you’re a musician and have ever jammed with a sibling, you know that extra layer of love that bonds beyond just the music. Brothers Jimmy and Paul Bennett exhibit that same chemistry with their guitar and bass so exquisitely in backing Suter’s talents.
One stand-out track is Suter’s passionate take on Leon Russell’s “Song For You.” Will Bryant’s piano is absolutely stellar as it forms the framework for Suter to exhibit the full power, range and intensity that has been so graciously gifted to her. You’ll also enjoy Suter’s take on Ron Davies’ “It Ain’t Easy” which was the standout hit and title of Long John Baldry’s 1971 LP. Suter’s rich deep voice will captivate you with the lines “I’m like a puzzle with a missing piece. Life is what happens to all of us. Just remember when your times get rough that love always wins, love always wins, love always wins every time.” She cowrote this aptly titled tune, “Love Always Wins.”
The Alexis P. Suter Band has imprinted in red on the inside of their CD cover, “Don’t Stay Low, Just Stay High and Keep Shining.” Listen to this recording and you’ll feel the shining that emanates from the lyrics, vocals and musical talent of this band. Nola Blue Records is surely offering a fine addition to your musical library with The Alexis P. Suter Band’s latest release. --Pete Sardon
The opening track, “God Gave Me The Blues,” introduces the listener to Suter as she sings, “God gave me the blues, what the hell was he thinking about?!” If you are hearing her vocals for the first time, they will be pleasantly imbedded in your brain and instantly recognizable again as you seek out her seven previous CDs.
Suter’s band includes Jimmy and Paul Bennett on guitar and bass respectively, Ray Grappone on drums, Daniel Weiss on keys with Suter on vocals along with Vicky Bell and Peter Bennett. Additional musicians include Byron Issacs on bass, Will Bryant on keys and melodica and Lee Falco on drums and percussion. It’s nice having the songs listed to contain the array of musicians in Suter’s band so one can easily discern their individual talents. If you’re a musician and have ever jammed with a sibling, you know that extra layer of love that bonds beyond just the music. Brothers Jimmy and Paul Bennett exhibit that same chemistry with their guitar and bass so exquisitely in backing Suter’s talents.
One stand-out track is Suter’s passionate take on Leon Russell’s “Song For You.” Will Bryant’s piano is absolutely stellar as it forms the framework for Suter to exhibit the full power, range and intensity that has been so graciously gifted to her. You’ll also enjoy Suter’s take on Ron Davies’ “It Ain’t Easy” which was the standout hit and title of Long John Baldry’s 1971 LP. Suter’s rich deep voice will captivate you with the lines “I’m like a puzzle with a missing piece. Life is what happens to all of us. Just remember when your times get rough that love always wins, love always wins, love always wins every time.” She cowrote this aptly titled tune, “Love Always Wins.”
The Alexis P. Suter Band has imprinted in red on the inside of their CD cover, “Don’t Stay Low, Just Stay High and Keep Shining.” Listen to this recording and you’ll feel the shining that emanates from the lyrics, vocals and musical talent of this band. Nola Blue Records is surely offering a fine addition to your musical library with The Alexis P. Suter Band’s latest release. --Pete Sardon
DUDLEY TAFTThe Speed of LifeAmerican Blues Artist Group
Veteran blues rocker Dudley Taft recorded his latest album in the Czech Republic while on tour, as well as in his Cincinnati, home-based studio. He writes the songs, he delivers a fiery electric guitar sound, and he sings his own songs. Each selection comes on strong. He’s working here with a small group – keyboards, bass, & drums – but gives his album a big sound. It’s all in his shout-out lyric delivery. As he sings “Work It Out” or “Burn It Down,” you get the picture: this man with the gravelly voice and the powerful guitar makes sure that his message comes to you hot and heavy.
The songs provide powerful emotion through ideas that generate turmoil. “Set Me on Fire” spins around a love theme that explodes with hope and longing. The person receiving his proposal surely deserves what he’s thinking. “Into the Blue” stands out as the album’s finest, as Taft offers a true blue message; again, he’s singing about love and how much it means in this world. “The Traveler” pretty much sums up the album’s theme as the veteran artist sings about where one goes and where one returns.
Adventure comes with travel, but returning home to one’s loved ones is sure to be welcome. It’s good advice, and it’s delivered with ample emotion. Dudley Taft continues to move about with “the speed of life” as a loving family man, who’s also the great-great-grandnephew of U.S. President William Howard Taft. --Jim Santella
The songs provide powerful emotion through ideas that generate turmoil. “Set Me on Fire” spins around a love theme that explodes with hope and longing. The person receiving his proposal surely deserves what he’s thinking. “Into the Blue” stands out as the album’s finest, as Taft offers a true blue message; again, he’s singing about love and how much it means in this world. “The Traveler” pretty much sums up the album’s theme as the veteran artist sings about where one goes and where one returns.
Adventure comes with travel, but returning home to one’s loved ones is sure to be welcome. It’s good advice, and it’s delivered with ample emotion. Dudley Taft continues to move about with “the speed of life” as a loving family man, who’s also the great-great-grandnephew of U.S. President William Howard Taft. --Jim Santella
BRAD “GUITAR” WILSONThe CalifornianCali Bee Music
Singer/guitarist/songwriter Brad Wilson offers eight original songs and six covers on his latest album. Working with several blues bands that provide his soulful guitar and vocals with a proper backdrop, he delivers. Wilson is no stranger to the blues. Originally from Carmel, California, he’s now local to the Southland, and has carried the blues torch far and wide. Mixing classic songs with his originals, the artist provides a varied program.
Elmore James’ “It Hurts Me Too” works wonders. Classic blues is getting its due respect, and Wilson carves the song with pride. “Dead Flowers” by the Rolling Stones comes with a free rhythmic feeling that we’ll never forget. Wilson ends the album with Willie Dixon’s “Groaning the Blues,” a sure highlight. The lyrics point to a heavy heart and a powerful love that may or may not survive. Wilson’s guitar and his vocals bear the emotion clearly, and the mood suits Dixon’s lyrics comfortably.
Songwriting remains one of Wilson’s strong points. His “Monterey” celebrates the kind of action that Californian’s live for. Through his fiery guitar and the band’s mesmerizing rhythm, Wilson gives the song its magic. His “Goin’ Home” and “Back Roads” reveal a love for his home state, which continues to provide the artist with imagery like no other place. Proud to be a Californian, Brad “Guitar” Wilson translates what he sees and feels into beautiful music. --Jim Santella
Elmore James’ “It Hurts Me Too” works wonders. Classic blues is getting its due respect, and Wilson carves the song with pride. “Dead Flowers” by the Rolling Stones comes with a free rhythmic feeling that we’ll never forget. Wilson ends the album with Willie Dixon’s “Groaning the Blues,” a sure highlight. The lyrics point to a heavy heart and a powerful love that may or may not survive. Wilson’s guitar and his vocals bear the emotion clearly, and the mood suits Dixon’s lyrics comfortably.
Songwriting remains one of Wilson’s strong points. His “Monterey” celebrates the kind of action that Californian’s live for. Through his fiery guitar and the band’s mesmerizing rhythm, Wilson gives the song its magic. His “Goin’ Home” and “Back Roads” reveal a love for his home state, which continues to provide the artist with imagery like no other place. Proud to be a Californian, Brad “Guitar” Wilson translates what he sees and feels into beautiful music. --Jim Santella
KOKO TAYLORCrown JewelsAlligator
Koko Taylor (1928-2009) was called “The Queen of the Blues” for good reason. She gave Chicago what it wanted and left the world a legacy that will never be forgotten. Alligator’s vinyl LP release features some of her favorite songs, and they’re fan favorites as well. These are the songs for which we remember her natural talent and the way she worked so well with others.
“Born Under a Bad Sign” features Buddy Guy with Taylor, and they give it an unbridled thrill. “(Don’t Mess with) Mother Nature” features Carey Bell with Taylor, and they provide the kind of spirit that rocks the house all night long. Her live recording of “I’d Rather Go Blind” features the artist on stage with her mighty persona and her dynamic manner all in bloom. Koko Taylor knew how to deliver blues with intense feeling.
With Mighty Joe Young on guitar, she interprets “Voodoo Woman” as no other performer could. You can see why so many blues singers adopted Koko Taylor’s way with the blues as their inspiration. She did “I’m a Woman” with the kind of spirit that gets into your blood. That song alone can make you feel it for days and nights on end. It’s all her, and it’s all right! --Jim Santella
“Born Under a Bad Sign” features Buddy Guy with Taylor, and they give it an unbridled thrill. “(Don’t Mess with) Mother Nature” features Carey Bell with Taylor, and they provide the kind of spirit that rocks the house all night long. Her live recording of “I’d Rather Go Blind” features the artist on stage with her mighty persona and her dynamic manner all in bloom. Koko Taylor knew how to deliver blues with intense feeling.
With Mighty Joe Young on guitar, she interprets “Voodoo Woman” as no other performer could. You can see why so many blues singers adopted Koko Taylor’s way with the blues as their inspiration. She did “I’m a Woman” with the kind of spirit that gets into your blood. That song alone can make you feel it for days and nights on end. It’s all her, and it’s all right! --Jim Santella
FORREST McDONALDSongs from My SoulWorld Talent Records
For his latest album veteran bluesman Forrest McDonald delivers 12 tunes by himself, then adds several tracks that feature background musicians. His country voice and his solemn acoustic guitar give the program plenty of Southern-fried charm. Based in Richmond, Virginia after having travelled through American’s lands while building his 60-year career, McDonald carries on the tradition of lonesome, woebegone, street-corner singers baring their souls in order to relate. His solo voice and rhythmic acoustic guitar allow him to deliver quietly through original songs that come and go with a smooth outlook.
Songs such as “Make Love Not War,” “I Had a Dream” and “On Your Life’s Road” carry into present-day concerns as the songwriter delivers thoughts about the way we exist today. He sings “It’s time to take a stand,” sending goosebumps out to his audience because everybody knows it’s important. His music has a message and it’s up to date.
Several of the songs carry the stereotypical bluesman’s plaint of love lost and unrequited. His “The Next Time” stands out as a session high point for its Spanish guitar intro and its rhythmic catch. The lyric message, in keeping with emotional turmoil, lets the artist tell it like it is while keeping a strong musical backdrop along the way.
“I Wish I May” including a sizzling electric guitar solo and a soulful harp solo by McDonald and Pix Ensign, respectively, reveal the gist of this leader’s career. He’s been there, done that, and now enjoys the kind of variety that blues holds in store. --Jim Santella
Songs such as “Make Love Not War,” “I Had a Dream” and “On Your Life’s Road” carry into present-day concerns as the songwriter delivers thoughts about the way we exist today. He sings “It’s time to take a stand,” sending goosebumps out to his audience because everybody knows it’s important. His music has a message and it’s up to date.
Several of the songs carry the stereotypical bluesman’s plaint of love lost and unrequited. His “The Next Time” stands out as a session high point for its Spanish guitar intro and its rhythmic catch. The lyric message, in keeping with emotional turmoil, lets the artist tell it like it is while keeping a strong musical backdrop along the way.
“I Wish I May” including a sizzling electric guitar solo and a soulful harp solo by McDonald and Pix Ensign, respectively, reveal the gist of this leader’s career. He’s been there, done that, and now enjoys the kind of variety that blues holds in store. --Jim Santella
Blues Classics Revisited
Pete Sardon shares his classic Blues records.
HOUND DOG TAYLORHound Dog Taylorand the HouseRockersAlligator Records
When a new ship is christened, it is usually done with a fine bottle of champagne. Bruce Iglauer christened his Alligator Record label in 1971 with the blues bottleneck playing Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers with just three musicians: Theodore Roosevelt “Hound Dog” Taylor on vocals and lead guitar, Brewer Phillips on second guitar and Ted Harvey on drums. Taylor is pictured on the LP cover playing a ‘60s Japanese Baldwin S180 electric guitar with four pickups. It did not have a truss rod for adjustments so the strings were probably at a height high enough to easily facilitate the use of his slide.
An interesting note about Taylor was that he was born with polydactyly as he had six fingers on each hand. Unfortunately, the extra nubs were not useful in playing the guitar and he eventually removed the extra digit on his right hand with a straight razor. His thumbs were also a tad larger and this may have helped him in his rhythmic strumming as well.
If you drop a needle on this LP, put the CD in your player or hear the complete Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers on YouTube, you will be both instantly immersed and captivated with the raw loudness of this recording. “She’s Gone” opens with a propulsive beat with Taylor emotively repeating “she’s gone” and then saying “she’s gone and I won’t be here long” as he then cuts in some slicing slide guitar to the backbeat. “Walking the Ceiling” is an instrumental that takes it up another notch as he drives into a loud boogie with punctuated slide. He emphatically shouts to his band, “Yeah! All right, all right!!” three quarters into the tune. Slide guitar single notes dance around the lyrics to Taylor’s “Held My Baby Last Night.” His voice is loud, clear and filled with emotion as his songs tell their tales. Taylor offers up a crisp instrumental on his “Taylor’s Rock,” truly a demonstra-ble highlight of the set list.
Phillips plays lead on two instrumental songs. His “Phillips’ Theme” reveals a high and piercing guitar lead that is the longest cut at over five minutes as he puts his guitar through facile single note paces, a bit of boogie and change of tempo as Harvey’s drums accentuate each variation on the theme as if they’ve played it together forever. His guitar says it all. “44 Blues” is also a driving tune at a bit less volume
Taylor recorded Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers when he was in mid-fifties and Alligator Records released other LPs but Taylor died at 60 from lung cancer. If you want to delve into Taylor’s brisk, earthy, raw and moving music, go to www.alligator.com and order either his LPs or CDs. You won’t be disappointed. --Pete Sardon
An interesting note about Taylor was that he was born with polydactyly as he had six fingers on each hand. Unfortunately, the extra nubs were not useful in playing the guitar and he eventually removed the extra digit on his right hand with a straight razor. His thumbs were also a tad larger and this may have helped him in his rhythmic strumming as well.
If you drop a needle on this LP, put the CD in your player or hear the complete Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers on YouTube, you will be both instantly immersed and captivated with the raw loudness of this recording. “She’s Gone” opens with a propulsive beat with Taylor emotively repeating “she’s gone” and then saying “she’s gone and I won’t be here long” as he then cuts in some slicing slide guitar to the backbeat. “Walking the Ceiling” is an instrumental that takes it up another notch as he drives into a loud boogie with punctuated slide. He emphatically shouts to his band, “Yeah! All right, all right!!” three quarters into the tune. Slide guitar single notes dance around the lyrics to Taylor’s “Held My Baby Last Night.” His voice is loud, clear and filled with emotion as his songs tell their tales. Taylor offers up a crisp instrumental on his “Taylor’s Rock,” truly a demonstra-ble highlight of the set list.
Phillips plays lead on two instrumental songs. His “Phillips’ Theme” reveals a high and piercing guitar lead that is the longest cut at over five minutes as he puts his guitar through facile single note paces, a bit of boogie and change of tempo as Harvey’s drums accentuate each variation on the theme as if they’ve played it together forever. His guitar says it all. “44 Blues” is also a driving tune at a bit less volume
Taylor recorded Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers when he was in mid-fifties and Alligator Records released other LPs but Taylor died at 60 from lung cancer. If you want to delve into Taylor’s brisk, earthy, raw and moving music, go to www.alligator.com and order either his LPs or CDs. You won’t be disappointed. --Pete Sardon
MUDDY WATERS101 Got My Mojo Working
The Best of Muddy WatersAPMSC
Those of you that had the opportunity to see Muddy Waters perform, I know you have the same warm memories of him in concert as do I. Those of you who were unable to see Muddy live, this four CD set by One Louder, released in February this year, is a “must have” before it sells out.
The 101 songs include 66 written by Muddy, 14 by Willie Dixon, eight by Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack Lightning,” Big Joe William’s “Baby Please Don’t Go” and 11 by others. Today’s blues afficionados should be grateful that so many great blues releases of such revered bluesmen are so readily available. Gone are the days of searching the LP bins for prized Muddy Waters, et. al. recordings that only had about a dozen songs at best.
The CD cover shows a rare photo of him holding his red Telecaster guitar without the tone or volume knobs. He later put on Fender amplifier knobs as replacements. The cover of his laudable LP, Muddy Waters Live At Newport 1960, shows him holding John Lee Hooker’s acoustic electric guitar (which he did not play) rather than his Telecaster. Fortunately, the nine tracks from this live LP are included to close out the 101 tracks.
Where to start? Here is a selection of songs that await your purchase: “Louisiana Blues,” “Mannish Boy,” “You Shook Me,” “They Call Me Muddy Waters,” “I Got My Brand On You,” “Stuff You Gotta Watch,” “Mean Disposition” and of course standards like “Got My Mojo Working,” “Long Distance Call” and “I Can’t Be Satisfied.” Couple these tunes with 91 more tracks and you have a winner for your library. The songs are listed sequentially but there isn’t any information included about when they were recorded or the personnel on the various songs. However, the clarity of the recordings is excellent as all the tracks have been digitally remastered. Muddy was awarded six Grammys, five Blues Music Awards and is in both the Blues Foundation and Rock and Roll Hall of Fames. Listen to these 101 tracks and you’ll see why.
I encourage you to take the opportunity to take a bit of Muddy’s South Side Chicago with you if you have a CD player in your car for a 4 CD long trip. 101 Got My Mojo Working, The Best of Muddy Waters is still available now for only $16.99 on Amazon, what are you waiting for?! --Pete Sardon
The 101 songs include 66 written by Muddy, 14 by Willie Dixon, eight by Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack Lightning,” Big Joe William’s “Baby Please Don’t Go” and 11 by others. Today’s blues afficionados should be grateful that so many great blues releases of such revered bluesmen are so readily available. Gone are the days of searching the LP bins for prized Muddy Waters, et. al. recordings that only had about a dozen songs at best.
The CD cover shows a rare photo of him holding his red Telecaster guitar without the tone or volume knobs. He later put on Fender amplifier knobs as replacements. The cover of his laudable LP, Muddy Waters Live At Newport 1960, shows him holding John Lee Hooker’s acoustic electric guitar (which he did not play) rather than his Telecaster. Fortunately, the nine tracks from this live LP are included to close out the 101 tracks.
Where to start? Here is a selection of songs that await your purchase: “Louisiana Blues,” “Mannish Boy,” “You Shook Me,” “They Call Me Muddy Waters,” “I Got My Brand On You,” “Stuff You Gotta Watch,” “Mean Disposition” and of course standards like “Got My Mojo Working,” “Long Distance Call” and “I Can’t Be Satisfied.” Couple these tunes with 91 more tracks and you have a winner for your library. The songs are listed sequentially but there isn’t any information included about when they were recorded or the personnel on the various songs. However, the clarity of the recordings is excellent as all the tracks have been digitally remastered. Muddy was awarded six Grammys, five Blues Music Awards and is in both the Blues Foundation and Rock and Roll Hall of Fames. Listen to these 101 tracks and you’ll see why.
I encourage you to take the opportunity to take a bit of Muddy’s South Side Chicago with you if you have a CD player in your car for a 4 CD long trip. 101 Got My Mojo Working, The Best of Muddy Waters is still available now for only $16.99 on Amazon, what are you waiting for?! --Pete Sardon
ROBERT JOHNSONKing Of The Delta Blues GuitarColumbia Records
On Dylan’s 1964 Bringing It All Back Home, he has several LP albums arrayed in the cover photo. One is Robert Johnson’s King Of The Delta Blues Guitar. In Dylan’s Chronicles Volume One he states, “The record that didn’t grab Dave (Van Ronk) very much had left me numb, like I’d been hit by a tranquilizer bullet…Over the next few weeks I listened to it repeatedly, cut after cut, one song after another, sitting staring at the record player. Whenever I did, it felt like a ghost had come into the room, a fearsome apparition… If I hadn’t heard the Robert Johnson record when I did, there probably would have been hundreds of lines of mine that would have been shut down.”
Dylan wasn’t the only one who fell under Robert Johnson’s spell. Robert Lockwood Jr learned guitar directly from Johnson and has released several of Johnson’s songs. Other musicians of note who have delved into Johnson’s work for their take on his talent include Elmore James, Junior Parker, John P. Hammond, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Eric Clapton with John Mayall and solo, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Cream, Steve Miller, Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams. Peter Green cut his CD, The Robert Johnson Songbook, as he was totally under the influence of Johnson’s lyrical and guitar talents.
Born in Mississippi in 1911, Johnson recorded just two sessions, one each in 1936 and 1937 and tragically died in 1938. He was the unlucky first member of the noted “27 Club” which later included Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.
Here are some of the 16 songs included on 1961's King Of The Delta Blues Singers: “Walking Blues,” “Crossroads,” “Ramblin’ On My Mind,” “Come On In My Kitchen,” “Hell Hound On My Trail,” “Stones In My Passway,” “ Kind Hearted Woman Blues,” “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day” with nine other tracks. This CD release of the original LP from 1961 also includes an alternative take of “Traveling Riverside Blues" for the 17th cut.” A follow-up LP of additional songs, King Of The Delta Blues Guitar Vol. II, was released in 1970 and included “Love In Vain” and “Stop Breaking Down Blues,” both of which were recorded by the Rolling Stones. Alas, this LP hasn’t been released on CD (I still have my 1970 LP), however, in 2011, a double CD with all available tracks from both the San Antonio and Dallas recordings are on Robert Johnson—The Centennial Collection which is available on Amazon.com. You may also want to obtain Johnson’s King Of The Delta Blues Singers CD as well just to have the striking artwork on the CD cover and includes 15 pages of information about this legendary blues artist. The guitarist’s face is not shown as neither of the two photographs of Johnson had been discovered yet. The first record inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame Classics of Blues Records was indeed Johnson’s King of the Delta Blues Singers. --Pete Sardon
Dylan wasn’t the only one who fell under Robert Johnson’s spell. Robert Lockwood Jr learned guitar directly from Johnson and has released several of Johnson’s songs. Other musicians of note who have delved into Johnson’s work for their take on his talent include Elmore James, Junior Parker, John P. Hammond, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Eric Clapton with John Mayall and solo, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Cream, Steve Miller, Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams. Peter Green cut his CD, The Robert Johnson Songbook, as he was totally under the influence of Johnson’s lyrical and guitar talents.
Born in Mississippi in 1911, Johnson recorded just two sessions, one each in 1936 and 1937 and tragically died in 1938. He was the unlucky first member of the noted “27 Club” which later included Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.
Here are some of the 16 songs included on 1961's King Of The Delta Blues Singers: “Walking Blues,” “Crossroads,” “Ramblin’ On My Mind,” “Come On In My Kitchen,” “Hell Hound On My Trail,” “Stones In My Passway,” “ Kind Hearted Woman Blues,” “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day” with nine other tracks. This CD release of the original LP from 1961 also includes an alternative take of “Traveling Riverside Blues" for the 17th cut.” A follow-up LP of additional songs, King Of The Delta Blues Guitar Vol. II, was released in 1970 and included “Love In Vain” and “Stop Breaking Down Blues,” both of which were recorded by the Rolling Stones. Alas, this LP hasn’t been released on CD (I still have my 1970 LP), however, in 2011, a double CD with all available tracks from both the San Antonio and Dallas recordings are on Robert Johnson—The Centennial Collection which is available on Amazon.com. You may also want to obtain Johnson’s King Of The Delta Blues Singers CD as well just to have the striking artwork on the CD cover and includes 15 pages of information about this legendary blues artist. The guitarist’s face is not shown as neither of the two photographs of Johnson had been discovered yet. The first record inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame Classics of Blues Records was indeed Johnson’s King of the Delta Blues Singers. --Pete Sardon