I can't think of one rocker or bluester in the business that hasn't borrowed from Bo Diddley, including myself. A number of years ago, in a conversation with Phil and Don Everly, Don said, the first time he heard Bo was at a friends house, and it completely changed his life-check out the rhythmic power E chords the Everly's use and you're listening to Bo Diddley. And don't forget the British invasion. This disc was long overdue, and Evidence Records put together a real fine package of performers, also, a very cool 50s look with a café juke on the front cover, and a pile of 45s on the back! Taj Mahal starts things rolling with "Bo Diddley." Taj simply re-creates the song with his own special attack. Joe Louis Walker's fret work is simply unbelievable on "Who Do You Love." Check out the marriage between Walter Trout's guitar, and the bass, on "Road Runner." Tommy Castro's strat takes command on "I Can Tell"-one of my personal favs in the Bo Diddley department! Bo's "Ride On Josephine" takes a nice upbeat (minus the slide) trip with Eric Sardinas. Corey Harris works over into a new and higher plain on "Crackin' Up"-wild! It's quite obvious that Coco Montoya had some fun in the studio on "Pills." Sugar Blue's harp wails on "Mona" alongside a damn fine percussion section. Otis Rush sticks with the traditional "Bo sound" on "I'm A Man." Guitar Shorty rocks it out on "Don't Let It Go"-nice rendition! Charlie Musselwhite wrestles "Hey Bo Diddley"-killer version-listen to the bass intro! Powerful fret work and vocals from Kris Wiley, on "You Don't Love Me"-one of the better versions. Son Seals really delivers on "My Story" and doesn't let up. One of the better cuts comes by way of Michael Burkes. Mike is young and tough-a stellar performance on "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover." I'm a big fan of Roy Gaines, and his voice is totally righteous on "Before You Leave Me"-the finale, fifteen delicious cuts! Highly recommended.
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Dick Houff, 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.
Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $50.
You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Hosting & Design:
Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.
We build websites