Sass and soul master, Bobby Rush is back with another dose of adult-rated blues and R & B. Flim and flash aside, this biscuit lays down a bouquet of choice cuts sparked with intriguing lyrics, danceable rhythms, and that patent Bobby Rush delivery. Hoochie Man brings out the best in Rush's flamboyant stylization and the biscuit also boasts him in the production chair. The platter is well-tied together with eight self-penned tunes, the ninth he co-wrote, and a cover tune making ten.
Rush's bawdy blues have made him the chitlin' circuit darling. The self-described folk-funkster leaves us with some brilliant echoing harmonica, pleasurable arrangements, and a more urbanized sound befitting his Chicago musical upbringing. The Louisiana native is, however, never far from his southern soulfilled roots. Dripping funk and splashy soul ooze from your speakers when playing this plate; get ready to shake somethang 'cause this Louisiana native is out to please.
Rush handles the vocals, harmonica, and also throws down some of the guitar chores. Vasti Jackson helps with guitar and bass work, while Wolf and Eddie Raspberry also help with the ax duties. Jackson, Victor Allen, Chalmers Davis, and Melvin Hendricks give us the keyboards, as Dale Morris, Terry Richardson, and Avery Brady chip in bass work. Drummers are Forrest Gordon, James Robinson, and Bruce Howard, and the background vocalists here are Jewel Bass, Allen, Freddie Young, Quandra Brooks, and Rush.
Starting with the top of his lineup, Bobby pours out the gate with the woman pleasing "I Like It", follows with the mojo-ed "Hoochie Man", and glides into the spicy refrain "Shut Up". Take on the blue side with "Feelin' Bad", "Bare Mouth Woman", and the exclamatory "Garbage Man", and by the your heels will be getting thinner as you get to the closing "Beat Me Rockin'" and the instrumental shuffle finale, "Scootchin'". This high-energy serving of southern soul and northern attitude gives Rush another gem for his crown. The reaction should stay high and long for this masterpiece of soul with R & B sensibilities.
Waldoxy Records; a Division of Malaco, Inc.; 3023 W. Northside Drive; Jackson, MS 39213:
or, www.malaco.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Mark A. Cole, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, 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.