CD Review
Charlie Musslewhite
Sanctuary
(Real World Records 70876 18472 2 2)
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: August 2004
|
|
"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation
| |
 |
It is now 37 years since harpmeister Charlie Musselwhite's debut album,
"Stand Back!" appeared. Musselwhite has been continually evolving since
then, though, incorporating influences from within and beyond the blues to
try and keep ahead of the field. With his latest album, "Sanctuary,"
Musselwhite captures the feel of the darker, more brooding side of the blues.
Proceedings start off in sprightly fashion with the Gospel infused
"Homeless Child," where composer Ben Harper puts in the first of two
appearances. Musselwhite is the usual epitome of cool in his vocal
delivery, and plays unamplified harp to the foil of Charlie Sexton's slide
guitar. Despite the title, it is delivered in a cheery, clapalong style,
which stands in quite a contrast to much of the rest of the album. The
ensuing "My Road Lies in Darkness" marks the beginning of a darker seam,
which is enhanced by Musselwhite's vocals--he sounds like he is singing
through the harp mic, a technique used to great effect by Papa George
Lightfoot. It then gets very dark and eerie on "Burn Down The Cornfield."
The Blind Boys of Alabama jump aboard to lighten the mood on "Train To
Nowhere." The engine room of Jared Michael Nickerson (bass) and Michael
Jerome (drums) drive it along, and Musselwhite's smoky vocals add to the
atmosphere. The Blind Boys of Alabama later return for the uptempo
footstomping "I Had Trouble." In the interim, the band head back into the
swamps on Sonny Landreth's "Shootin' For The Moon." They eventually
re-emerge for Eddie Harris' "Alicia," which has a real jazzy guitar
sound--think Django Reinhardt--and Musselwhite plays some very emotional harp.
The musical mood apparently lightens once more on "I Had Trouble," largely
thanks to the return of the Blind Boys of Alabama. A closer listen to the
lyrics, however, reveals that the song's story is not a particularly happy
one. The album then closes with the short solo instrumental, "Route 19
(Attala County, Mississippi)," a mean and moody piece that leaves you in no
doubt that Musselwhite is still one of the finest harp players around.
"Sanctuary" is yet another fine album from Charlie Musselwhite. The
Sanctuary band do a great job in supporting the master. There should be a
health warning on the cover, noting that the mood is mostly pretty dark,
despite the seemingly happy introduction. No worry, though, the blues has
always had a darker side, and Musselwhite is merely mining it to great
effect. The signing of Musselwhite by Realworld could prove to be very
fruitful and visionary, particularly if they can hook him up with other
artists from the Realworld roster. In the meantime, "Sanctuary" will do
very nicely thank you.
www.charlie-musselwhite.com
www.realworldrecords.com/musselwhite
Buy this CD NOW:
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
"This review is copyright © 2004 by Gordon Baxter, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 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:
CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75.
The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here
to 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.
|
|
 Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
Copyright © 2004 Ray M. Stiles & Blues On Stage
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.
|
|
We build websites