"Your Fool Too Long," which opens the album, grabs your attention right from the start. T-99's music has a dirty raw sound which calls to mind Chicago during the era of Howlin' Wolf, Magic Sam, and Elmore James. It is hard to believe that this is an original tune (the first of eight). The excellent baritone sax is contributed by Arend Bouwmeester.

T-99 are not slaves to the blues, and comfortably straddle blues, R&B, and rock'n'roll. This is aptly demonstrated by the second track, "Let Your Eagle Fly" which leans more towards rock'n'roll. They then head back to the blues for the mean and moody shuffle of "So Many Times." Throughout the proceedings frontman Mischa Den Haring shows himself to be a first rate guitarist, and a fine singer adapting himself appropriately to the band's various styles. He is ably supported by the impressive rhythm section of Thijs Gorter (bass) and Henk Punter (drums and percussion).

There are a few recognizable influences, such as Howlin' Wolf on "One Man Down." Although the band do pick up on a number from the Wolf's repertoire (Willie Dixon's "Do The Do"), they steer clear of the old favorites in their choice of covers. The first is a toughened up version of Eddie Taylor's "I Wanna Love You." The band then generate a darker mood for "Evil Eye" which has shades of "Black Magic Woman" about it, and continue in a similar vein with Tommy Ridgeley's "Double Eyed Whammy."

The band round things off with three more original tunes. First up is a great rocking boogie, "Flyin' High," backed up by the excellent instrumental "Three Times Seven" where Den Haring's guitar playing tips a nod in the direction of Magic Sam. The album then closes in a strangely subdued mode with the near-jazz of "Big Ole Town." It conjures up images of a blues club late at night, when there are only a handful of people left propping up the bar. It highlights the fact that the band do have a mellower side.

"Coo-Coo" is a great album. If T-99 can maintain this standard, they could find themselves in great demand. If you like your blues raw, with stinging guitar, and a pounding rhythm section, you should check in at the Cool Buzz web site (www.t-99.coolbuzz.nl) to pick up a copy of "Coo-Coo." If T-99 were American, "Coo-Coo" would be right up there among the nominations for the next set of awards.

This review is copyright © 2001 by Gordon Baxter, 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.