CD Review
James Cotton
Baby, Don't You Tear My Clothes
Telarc Records, 2004 (CD-83596)
by Tim Holek
Review date: October 2004
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At an early age, Tunica, Mississippi-born James Cotton fell under the trance of Sonny Boy Williamson and became his protégé. In 1954, James was appointed as Muddy Waters harpist. This gig lasted for the next 12 years. No longer content to play Little Walter riffs note for note, Cotton left Waters and struck out as a solo act in 1966. His previous Telarc release (35th Anniversary Jam) celebrated his long-standing success as a solo act. That CD contained a plethora of guests who all could be considered the best the blues has to offer. On his new release, James is once again assisted by a crop of venerable field hands from his Cotton patch. This time around the musicians were pulled from a more diverse base as was the music. The focus remains on traditional blues but don't expect the songs to be boring and to all contain 12 bars.
The laid-back title track's melody is so happy and cheerful, it will put a smile on your face. As will Bobby Rush's expressive vocals. "Stealin', Stealin'" contains amazing vocal harmonies thanks to Dave Alvin and Chris Gaffney. Odetta's dignified voice has a dominion over the mellow and almost unplugged "Key To The Highway." Things are upbeat on "I Almost Lost My Mind." It's performed as an instrumental which removes the depressing feeling usually emoted by the song's lyrics. Jim Lauderdale tries to sound like the king of the roadhouse singers on "Bring It On Home To Me." Peter Rowan does his best Jimmie Rodgers yodel impersonation on "Muleskinner Blues." Current band-member David Maxwell is fantastic on the keys throughout the disc. Listen to them glisten on the mid-paced, opening instrumental "Coach's Better Days." The rest of the extremely confidant core includes Derek O'Brien (guitar), Noel Neal (bass) and Per Hanson (drums) who are further joined by: Marcia Ball, C.J. Chenier, Doc and Merle Watson and Rory Block.
James' prominent harp is always noticeable on 13 (mostly cover) tune but Cotton doesn't hog the limelight. His backing band and their guests all get a chance to display their celebrated talents. Since not many of the tunes feature super, harp solos nor does Cotton sing (he no longer can), many wouldn't tag this as a Cotton disc but rather the makings from a great blues/roots band. Although his energy isn't as kinetic as it once was, James still delivers plenty of steam on this 53 minute disc. It's a totally relaxing and enjoyable mix of dinnertime blues. For his contributions to the genre, Cotton deserves a position in the blues hall of fame in addition to heaven's house band. His previous CD won a Handy. This one just might win him another!
For additional information, contact: www.telarc.com and www.jamescottonsuperharp.com
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