CD Review
R.L. Burnside
No Monkeys On This Train
(HighTone (2003) HCD 8152)
14 tracks - 45 minutes
by Craig Ruskey
Review date: March 2003
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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R.L. Burnside's success, like that of Fred McDowell, also started late. Born in 1926, he wasn't
recorded until 1968, but things have picked up considerably since then. His appearance in Robert
Palmer's Deep Blues film sparked further interest in the Mississippi Hill Country artist, which he
has followed with a number of recording projects. The tracks here were cut over three sessions;
Jumper Hanging On The Line, Goin' Away Baby, Bad Luck City, Sound Machine Groove, and
Long Haired Doney were produced by David Evans in 1979-1980 featuring the Sound Machine
band. Goin' Down South is from 1992, while Fireman Ring The Bell, Nightmare Blues, Last
Night, and Rollin' And Tumblin' are taken from a 1994 performance at Bob Corritore's
Rhythm Room in Phoenix. Of the full band tracks, only [i]Bad Luck City[/i] and [i]Sound Machine
Groove[/i] have out-of-place effects guitar, but the remainder are solid blues workouts. Burnside's guitar
and vocals are raw and straight-ahead, and the mix of tight originals and traditional blues make for a
pleasing CD. Also due soon are remastered discs by Johnny Shines and Otis Spann, both which
should generate strong interest.
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