CD Review
Big Bill Morganfield
"Ramblin' Mind"
Blind Pig Records
by Dick Houff
Review date: March 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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I've been waiting for this day to happen; Big Bill's second release for Blind Pig Records! After reviewing Bill's first: "Rising Son," I called the Chicago office and talked with Terry at length with undying accolades, and then I called the San Francisco office; in manic overdrive with the same spiel. Once I get started (or obsessed), there's no way of shutting me up—unless threatened with bodily harm. I love this guy for many different reasons. For starters, he walks away from a secure teaching position and doesn't pick up a guitar until 1983. He plays the hell out of it for six years, and joins the ranks of circuit bluesmen, and women. The risks involved are enormous; minus the glamour that high-end rockers enjoy. Big Bill made the right choice—and has he grown since 1999! For toppers, he grabbed a W.C Handy Award for best new artist in the year 2000. On this disc, he brings an
all-star cast aboard: Taj Mahal, Bob Margolin, Billy Branch, Paul Oscher (nice harp work on track #8), Pinetop Perkins, and Willie Smith are a few familiar names that you'll recognize. Bill went all out in adding Theresa Davis, and Robin Robinson on background vocals at tracks # 5 and #7: "People Sure Act Funny" / "Trace Of You." Both songs are personal favs on the cover songs. Big Bill's song writing abilities are evident throughout. He personally wrote nine out of the fourteen songs represented on the record. The title song: "Ramblin' Mind" is pretty damn hard to beat—and I'm sure you'll agree after the first spin. That much needed raw spirit comes into focus. Next up is Bill's "Highway 69" that totally entranced me. A heartfelt "You're Gonna Miss Me" brings the disc to an appropriate stopping point at track #14. There are so many fine moments, and I'd like to continue, but I'll save the magic and let you discover it for yourself. This is just the beginning! My highest recommendations.
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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