New Blues Review 10-15-24
By Jack Roy
Eric Bibb – In The Real World (Stony Plain Records)
Bio – “Born into a lineage of activism, Eric’s father, the late Leon Bibb, was a key figure in the civil rights movement, marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King. Immersed in the Village folk scene during his youth, Eric found inspiration in the visits of luminaries like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger. Influenced deeply by the sounds of Odetta, Richie Havens, and Taj Mahal, he synthesized these elements into a style uniquely his own. Beyond conventional genres, Bibb is labeled a bluesman, but he defies categorization, seamlessly sliding between musical realms. Grounded in the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Bibb’s music reflects his thoughts on current world events and his own lived experiences, whilst remaining entertaining, uplifting, inspirational and relevant. Bibb’s catalogue is now over 40 albums strong, with his ethos exemplified in 2023’s Grammy nominated Ridin’, which drew inspiration from the painting “A Ride for Liberty” by Eastman Johnson, depicting a Black family fleeing enslavement during the Civil War. As Eric reflects on his musical journey, gratitude pervades. Evolution is evident in his voice and guitar playing, with his words providing grounding in truth and fostering a vision of unity amid a world filled with divisive rhetoric. Eric Bibb is more than a blues troubadour; he is a storyteller and philosopher. His legacy is not just in the notes he plays or the stages he graces but in the questions he poses and the hope he instills.”
Review – Eric is back with a great album, his last album was just ok but this one is a huge hit to these ears. Eric has brought on the amazing Glen Scott on for this recording. Glen is an award winning producer, writer and session musician that plays most of the instrumentation and background vocals on this recording. Glen also contributed to more than half the song writing and it really tells. Such a talent and such a great combo. There are other great musicians included on this album like Michael Browne on Harmonica, Esbjorn Hazelius on fiddle, Robbie Mcintosh on electric guitar and multiple background singers (which really makes some of the songs) and other instrumentalists. A great combination of smooth Blues and Gospel making this one of my favorite albums this month. Some of my favorites from this album includes “Roll On Buddy”, “Make Change”, “Judgement Day” and “Take The Stage” but I think my favorite is “Neshoba County” with Eric on Banjo and Vocals, listen here. I will give this a 10 on Blues Content and a 10++ on Music Content.
Frank Catalano & Lurrie Bell – Set Me Free (Catalano Records)
Bio – “Frank Catalano and Lurrie Bell were both signed to record deals in 1995 by famed producer Bob Koester; Catalano was only 18 and Bell was 36 at the time. Both musicians went on to have storied careers. Bell is blues royalty and was recently inducted into the Blue Hall of Fame in Memphis. He started playing with his father Carey Bell at age 7 and went on to play with Muddy Waters, Howlinʼ Wolf, Willie Dixon, and many other blues giants. Catalano first sat in with his mentor Von Freeman at age 11; Pearl Bailey and Louie Bellson at age 12; Miles Davis at age 13; and Tony Bennett at age 14. At age 16, Frankʼs career was on an amazing path and he was asked to perform at the Grammys. On his way to the airport, he was in a horrific car accident and his right middle finger was cut off. Catalanoʼs budding career and life were in jeopardy, but he beat the odds and relearned his signature saxophone technique. Bellʼs career was on a path to stardom when his undiagnosed bipolar and schizophrenia go the better of him. Initially, he failed to receive the medical treatment he needed and unfortunately experienced periods of homelessness and other adversities. Thankfully in 2016, Lurrieʼs album Canʼt Shake This Feeling received a Grammy nomination and his career was again on an upward trajectory. Both musicians have overcome adversity to become the accomplished artists that they are today. Listen to their music and you will hear that they pour their heart and soul into every note they play. Set Me Free is a testament to their mutual love of music and gratefulness for the quality of life that they have now achieved.”
Review – Every once in a while you come across an album I like to call the “Real Deal” and this album falls right into that hole. You can’t ask for a more legit voice than Lurrie Bell. Then add the production value of having Frank Catalano putting his magic of both Sax and overseeing the project. Next add some world famous musicians like Tom Vaitsas on Piano, Aaron Mitter on Bass and Kurt Lubbe on Drums and you have the magic that will capture your blues DNA. Covering some of the great songs of the past like “Everyday”, “The Sky Is Crying” and “I’m Ready” as some of my favorites. Definitely my favorite on this CD is their cover of “At Last”, it is so great hearing a male voice doing this song, listen here. I will give this a 10++ on Blues Content and a 10++ on Music Content.
Mikey Junior – Traveling North (8th Train Records)
Bio – “When the oldest, continuously running blues society in the world says you’re the “real deal”, that has to mean something. When blues forums toss your name around with the likes of harmonica masters like Little Walter and Sonny Boy…that has to mean something. Of course, there will always be skeptics; but to the blues fans of the northeast United States, there is no doubt that at just 30 years old, Mikey Jr. is chasing the masters at a pace that’s frightening. Growing up on the tough streets of Trenton, New Jersey, and now residing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Mikey Jr. is a self-taught prodigy. With his impressive collection of vintage tapes, CD’s and videos, Mikey spent the better part of his youth immersing himself in the world of blues music. By the time he was twenty-one, he was already a road-tested player, making even ardent blues purists, take notice. Since that time, Mikey Jr. has released an impressive six CD’s as well as a documentary DVD. He’s been praised by blues societies as well as players for his original take on ‘old school’ styles and his latest release, ‘It Ain’t Hard To Tell’ is being hailed as a watershed effort by the blues community. Mikey Jr. never set out to re-write the pages of blues history, but through his true love of the music and his undying dedication to the masters that came before him, it seems all but certain that Mikey Jr. will scribe his name in the annals of blues history – right alongside the very masters that influence his every performance.”
Review – I haven’t always been a fan of Mikey Junior, but this album changed all that. I knew he could always play, but his vocals are terrific on this CD. Even his Harmonica tone is just better than I remember from previous recordings. Again Mikey knows that you need great musicians around you if you want to pull out a great album and this one is packed with great players including Dave Gross on Guitar, Percussion, Keys and Vocals, Matt Raymond on Bass, Michael Bram on Drums, Greg Gumpel on Guitar, the amazing Victor Wainwright on Keys and Josh Roberts and Matt Daniels on lead guitar. A few songs written my Mikey including “Old Enough To Know”, “I’m Still Crazy Over You” and “She Can Do what She Wants To”. I think my favorite is Willie Dixon’s “Sittin’ & Cryin’ The Blues”, listen here. I will give this a 10 on Blues Content and a 10+ on Music Content.
Todd Partridge – Desert Fox Blues (Self Produced)
Bio – “Since picking up the guitar at age 18, Todd Partridge has spent most of his adult life making his own music. First with the band Black Light Syndrome then Salamagundi, and most recently, 5 albums and 10 years of shows in the U.S. and Europe with critically acclaimed King Of The Tramps. In 2023 he released his first solo album “Autumn Never Knows”. With 10 albums of original music under his belt, Todd has proven that he has a unique voice. What kind of music is it? Wandering Music. Whiskey Gospel. American Roots music. Borrowing from the blues, American folk and country, classic rock and Americana, the music in Iowa has a unique flavor and feeling. Todd grew up in the raw, agricultural, midwestern prairie, surrounded by old barns and cornfields. Where hard working Irish, German and Scandinavian immigrants elbowed out the french and Indians for a chance to cut farm ground out of the wild prairie. Iowa is often called the middle border because it separates the busy East from the wide open West and the cold North from the sweaty South. “I guess we don’t feel like we belong to any American cultural region, and have had to cut our music out of the same prairie fields.” Todd said. “I grew up listening to my mom’s Bob Dylan, Beatles, Blood Sweat and Tears and Santana records and watching the Grand Ole Opry on televesion every Saturday night. My dad played trumpet in a big band, and he had jazz records around the house. The soundtrack for my youth was ACDC, Rush and Led Zeppelin, and for a couple years, in inner city Milwaukee, WI, a healthy dose of Parliament Funkadelic, Chaka Kahn and Ohio Players”. But, eventually all roads lead to the blues. As a boy, his family traveled a lot. “My parents were born in Iowa, but moved us to California for opportunities, then Oklahoma, Milwaukee and finally back to Iowa. We moved 12 times before I was 12 years old, I guess I never got to throw down roots, until we ended up back in Iowa.” Todd said. “I guess I’m just the wandering kind”. The Todd show is a foot stompin’, hand clappin’ rock and roll gospel, with heartfelt ballads and sing-a-longs. According to “City View” show reviewer Chad Taylor, He is “Part troubadour, part tent revival preacher, Partridge holds court over his audience, welcoming all to the Tramps roots rock/jam band sound with the charisma of a faith healer.”
Review – Todd Partridge always has an edge to his music and this CD does not stray from his past. Combining contemporary lyrics with stomping old school blues, overdriven guitar, vocals and harmonica add to the old feel of his music. With some great musician, the music is tight and real including artists like Winston Watson on drums, Nick Agustine on bass, Tom Albanese on harmonica, and Kent Burnside (oldest grandson of RL Burnside) on guitar. Todd’s music almost goes into Punk Genre, I really love this!! Some my best on this CD is “Depression” “Lost Your Shoe Blues” and “Jimmy Carter” but my favorite is “Old Picker”, kind of has that Hill Country Sound, listen here. I will give this a 10 on Blues Content and a 10 on Music Content.
Catfish Keith – Shake Me Up (Fish Tail Records)
Bio – “Catfish Keith was born Keith Daniel Kozacik in East Chicago, Indiana, and was first inspired by blues music he heard on the radio. These included songs by Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, although by the time he owned a guitar in his teenage years, he listened mostly to Son House. He attended high school in Davenport, Iowa, before setting out across the United States and beyond learning to sing and play his brand of the blues. He traveled to the Caribbean, where his musical education benefited from hearing Joseph Spence. His stage name originated from a diving partner in the Virgin Islands who, having seen his efforts at swimming, nicknamed him “Catfish-Swimmin’-Around,” and “Catfish-Steel-Guitar-Man.” Catfish Keith had his debut album, Catfish Blues (1984), released by Kicking Mule Records. He continued to tour constantly and picked up playing tips from watching Jessie Mae Hemphill, Henry Townsend, Johnny Shines and David “Honeyboy” Edwards. Keith married in 1988 and founded his own record label, Fish Tail Records. 1991’s Pepper in My Shoe sparked global interest in his work, and he toured both Europe and the United States. He appeared on the cover pages of the publications Blues Life, Blueprint, Block and The Guardian, and his follow-up effort, Jitterbug Swing was nominated for a Blues Music Award. Further acclaim was afforded by the British magazine, Blues Connection, who named him “the new slide king of the National steel guitar.” Cherry Ball (1993) saw Dirty Linen’s James Jensen state “Catfish will give you goose bumps and leave you howling for more!” A further Blues Music Award nomination was generated by the release of Fresh Catfish in 1995. After Twist It Babe!, his next release was Pony Run (1999). Sweet Pea (2005) was praised by Living Blues who opined “the guitar playing is surely the main attraction here, and “Blotted Out My Mind” alone earns Catfish comparison to Frank Hovington, Elizabeth Cotten, and other virtuoso six-stringers.” In 2008, Keith was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame. He is an endorser of National Reso-Phonic Guitars. Catfish Keith has issued an instructional DVD entitled Dynamic Country Blues Guitar. In 2019, his album, Reefer Hound: Viper Songs Revisited, won acoustic album of the year honors at the Blues Blast Music Awards.”
Review – Catfish Keith has been a staple in the acoustic Blues Arena since 1985, this being his 27th album since then. His guitar chops are a great as ever, very percussive in his guitar strumming. He has been nominated 19 times for Grammy Awards and his voice has matured over the years to a polished performer. Highlights from this CD are “Candyman, Salty Dog”, “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” and “Fuss and Fight” written by Catfish but I think my favorite is the ragtime tune by Washboard Sam, “Who Pumped The Wind In My Doughnut”, listen here. I will give this a 10+ on Blues Content and a 10 on Music Content.
