Blues Is My Business showcases the talents of Paul Wood. It is a CD one will listen to again and again. Mr. Wood's work is enhanced by Lyn Jones, harmonica; Jack Holder, keyboards, back-up vocals and rhythm guitar along with producing and arranging;
Reba Russell, back-up vocals; Al Gamble, Hammond B3 (tracks 3&9); Jim Spake, tenor/baritone sax; Steve Potts, drums; Steve Mergen, percussion; Dave Smith,
bass and Scott Thompson on trumpet. Much of it is a rock/blues style however two songs really stand out as traditional delta type blues. "Don't Call Me" and "The Mojo Man" reminds one of the legendary blues of Hooker, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. These two reflect the old back-in-the-woods, juke joint, bathtub gin music I grew up
on.
"The Mojo Man" is a story of a blues man. It's a slow stroll. The harmonica of Lyn Jones gives this song a Reedesque quality. Wood's slide sears through your heart. It creates a shiver. "Don't Call Me" is a sad yet funny old style blues song. Even though
it's about a man losing his baby (woman) some lines are funny and make you smile and even laugh. These lyrics are an example of his humorous side, "if you want to show me how much you love me paul, don't you never call my house again, since I never call her
house seems like we've been the best of friends." Al Gamble's Hammond B3 gives it a gospel sound. These two songs are a traditional blues lover's dream. For these two songs alone I would recommend this CD.
Although I was especially drawn to the abovementioned songs the rest of the CD was very good but in a different way. The first eight songs tend to be more rock-blues or r&b. "Blues Guitar" has a Santana feel. "All my troubles just drift away. No tomorrow, no yesterday. Blues Guitar just fly away" is Wood's mantra to this song and he's right.
Listening to this one finds "my heart takes wing when I'm bending that string. My soul takes flight follow the line of a blues guitar."
"Blame It On The Whiskey," follows Paul Wood's philosophy, "every blues album must have a drinking song." His pickin' sets the tone for a rocking good time. Listening to him "my troubles just drift away." If you want to feel good and hear the blues also then get this CD and allow the music to wash through and over you like a sudden high wave at the beach. To all here's a chance to be engulfed in great music.
www.paul-wood.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Lujira Cooper, 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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