Blind Pig Records went all out on this superb three disc package. There
are two audio CDs plus a CD-Rom with performances and interviews: Roy
Rogers & Norton Buffalo's excellent "Ain't No Bread In The Breadbox"- a
very cool concept video. A rare interview with Muddy Waters, a live
performance by Tommy Castro ("Nobody Loves Me Like My Baby"), a concept
video with Popa Chubby ("Daddy Played The Guitar And Moma Was A Disco
Queen"), an interview and performance clips of Deborah Coleman, Preacher
Boy's ("Dead, Boy") concept video, and an interview with Snooky Pryor.
In speaking for myself, the CD-Rom is worth the price of the whole
package-which is a three for the price of one special! Blind Pig has
had a brilliant 25 year history in the international spotlight. From
contemporary blues and traditional to every form conceivable-they have
done it all.
The opening track on disc one is a truly marvelous pairing: Arthur
Adams & B.B. King's soulful performance on "Get You Next To Me." I love
Deborah Coleman's Tele, and she does it right on "Bendin' Like A Willow
Tree." Popa Chubby follows with "Daddy Played The Guitar And Mama Was
Disco Queen,"-very tough, and look out for the changes! Another great
pairing on track four: "Strong man Holler" with Big Bill Morganfield &
Taj Mahal-one of my favorites! Jimmy Thackery's, "Sinner Street" (check
out the album) is to good for words. And Debbie Davies & Albert Collins,
work so well together-and they really shine on "I Wonder Why." George
"Harmonica" Smith doesn't need an intro-the man is an icon! And Snooky
Pryor has always been rated high in my books. The following artists are
all well established: Gospel Hummingbirds, Magic Slim & The Teardrops
(powerful!), E.C. Scott (A Queen!), James Cotton (James rules!), Memphis
Rockabilly Band ("Pleated Pants"-another fav.!), Bob Margolin, Muddy
Waters (Live!), and you got to check out The Vipers ("Huron River
Drive")!
Disc two follows the same route with outstanding performances by: John
Mooney, Chris Thomas King, Bill Perry, Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings,
Jimmy Thackery & Joe Louis Walker (look out!), Lloyd Jones, Studebaker
John & The Hawks, Johnny Dyer, Tommy Castro & Delbert McClinton (another
workout!), Chris Cain, Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s, Pee Wee Crayton
(when you talk West Coast Blues; you're talking Pee Wee), Norton
Buffalo, Johnny Shines (I could write a book on Johnny. He was truly
amazing on a live set), Joanna Conner, Pinetop Perkins, and Coco
Montoya. Don't let this collection slip through your fingers-give it a
home!
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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