CD Review
Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell, & The Sons Of Blues
Chicago's Young Blues Generation
(Evidence Music #ECD-26114-2)
by Dick Houff
Review date: August 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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Besides having a nice well-rounded stable of artists on their roster, Evidence Records consistently reissues excellent recordings such as this one. Originally recorded in 1982, both Billy Branch and Lurrie Bell, played a pivotal role in re-defining the blues by going beyond tradition, and the accepted norms. If you listen to the Branch harp; it is unmistakable and uniquely his own. Don't get me wrong; Billy's harp is steeped in tradition, however, he's not afraid to break new ground in the contemporary realm. Lurrie is the son of harp master Carey Bell. He grew up under the influence of the greats such as Big Walter Horton, and his father's friends. Unlike his father, he chose to play guitar, and like Billy Branch, he took his ax to a new level. His style is a combination of traditional and contemporary forms. I've caught his act on several occasions, and it's quite mesmerizing to watch him play a combination of lead and rhythm solos-and watch for the changes! To see Branch work his harp alongside Lurrie Bell is pure magic. I'd love to catch a tour of these guys working together again with the "Sons Of The Blues!" There are seven tracks total on this outing and most of the songs are six to seven minute in length-believe me, most CD's in the 12 track category can't top this one. Some of my favorite covers are displayed, and the improvs between Bell and Branch are houserockin' masterpieces: Help Me / the Sonny Boy Williamson II, Willie Dixon, and Ralph Bass classic gets a new coat of shine-one of the better renditions I've heard. Breakin' Up Somebody's Home clocks in at 7:19. I seen Buddy Guy and Jr. Wells cover this one, and they did a damn fine job. I loved their version, but I've got to give the nod to Billy and Lurrie with no offense to the above mentioned. B.B. King's "Sweet Little Angel" will warm your soul. Lurrie is gentle on the strings and Billy's harp is in top form. Lurrie's vocals take you home-and remember the changes! The ax attack comes out of nowhere, and Branch answers the call!-brilliant. Tracks 4, 5, and 6 get equal treatment until the finale. Track #7: Mystery Train / the Jr. Parker and Sam Phillips killer is/and has been one my favorite juke songs ever since I can remember. Check out this version for yourself; I'm at a loss for words. It's just too damn good for words!
Evidence Music; 1100 E. Hector St., Ste. 392; Conshohocken, PA 19428:
or e-mail EvidenceMusic@aol.com
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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