"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
Tab Benoit had a busy year in 2002. After releasing the highly anticipated Wetlands, Tab teamed up with singer, songwriter, and guitar virtuoso Jimmy Thackery on Whiskey Store and contributed to the 35th Anniversary Jam of the James Cotton Blues Band cd. Tab Benoit returns with his first solo project of 2003.
As expected, The Sea Saint Sessions has a rootsy and raw quality with Cajun and swamp blues flavors throughout. Two of many highlights are when Tab is joined by seasoned guitarist, Brian Stoltz on two tracks, the straight-ahead shuffle "Baby Blue" and the Louisiana seasoned "Hustlin' Down To New Orleans." Tab Benoit appeared on folk singer Monk Boudreaux's solo debut, Mr. Stranger Man, earlier this year. Boudreaux returns the favor by lending his powerful voice to the slow driving "Monk's Blues". Monk returns to close out the recording playing tambourine along side of Cyril Neville on vocals and Benoit's gritty guitar work on the mambo-shuffle "Plareen Man". While most of the record is comprised of originals, Benoit reworks the classic Willie Dixon tune, "Howlin' For My Darling" and makes it his own
Benoit, along with artists such as Kenny Neal are keeping the swamp blues alive while experimenting with other genres along the way. And just like Wetlands, Tab Benoit pushes the boundaries for a well rounded and eclectic recording.
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