Mark ‘bird’ Stafford’s debut CD, ‘the Birdman’, is a rousing blues experience you won’t easily forget. It begins with “Birdman” -- a word forever associated with Stafford, by all the fans who’ve come to know him as one of the finest blues harp players in Canada. In this tune, Stafford lets us know he is ‘the bird man’, in an easy-to-take bluesy way, with insightful harp work, backed by a tight rhythm section, comprising Mike Carson on guitar; Bob Vespaziani on drums; Terry Wilkins on upright bass and Tyler Yarema on keyboards.
Stafford’s harp soloing goes wild on “Mellow Down Easy”; added to by his distinctively clear vocals. The whole band goes wild with him on this rousing number.
“She’s My Girl”, is a high-energy party tune in every respect. Stafford’s strong harp playing and clear vocals, are added to with zest by his terrific band.
The exuberant “Let Me Explain” continues this upbeat mood, with zesty determination. Stafford’s impeccable harp playing and story-telling vocals, are added to by Yarema’s wild piano playing and Vespaziani’s high energy drumming. The slow blues, “His Mistake” follows, with Carson’s inspiring slide-guitar intro. This is a true-to-life blues lament (over losing a girlfriend), that Stafford sings with heartbreaking conviction. Carson’s guitar leads echo the sorrowful loss, and are reinforced by Yarema’s piano riffs and Vespaziani’s dirge-like talent on the skins.
“Crazy Mixed Up World” gets things rolling again in an upbeat manner. Stafford’s high-energy harp playing and clear vocals are matched with gusto by Bob Vespaziani’s energetic drumming. Yarema’s talent on the ivories adds just the right touch. Chester Burnett’s moody, atmospheric “Who’s Been Talking”, is a slow blues, that features Stafford’s vivid, story-telling vocals. His harp playing is just what the ‘blues doctor’ ordered. Carson’s scorching guitar leads on this tune, are reinforced by Vespaziani’s determined drumming, and Yarema’s lilting talent on the ivories.
Next up is Sonny Boy Williamson ll’s “Don’t Start Me Talkin’”. It’s an energetic song that Stafford sings to perfection, while going wild on harp. Sonny Boy’s lyrics are incomparable, and really tell a story like it is -- he pulls no punches -- and likewise neither does Stafford in this unique Sonny Boy ll interpretation.
Stafford’s introspective harp playing on Little Walter’s medium tempo instrumental, “Sad Hours”, features some ‘bird-like’ warbling at times, and is added to by Yarema’s fine talent on the ivories; along with Carson’s occasional scorching guitar leads. Vespaziani’s drumming helps keep everything in the groove.
“Too Late” brings us out of that bluesy introspection, into some real toe-tapping blues. The whole band rips it up real good, and aren’t afraid to pull out all the stops. Mark’s harp playing has a special jolt on this tune, as does Vespaziani’s insightful drumming. Stafford tells the lady of his ‘nightmares’, “Can’t stand your cussin’ – I’m gone.”
Jimmy Reed’s “Big Boss Man” is an invigorating blues sensation that’s a true joy to listen to. Wilkins’ vocals are incredible, as are is his pulsating, upright bass playing -- complemented by Stafford’s rousing, melodic harp playing. Yarema’s rippling piano soloing and Vespaziani’s in-the-pocket drumming, complete this bluesy picture.
“Got You On My Mind” is a slow, bluesy lament. It features a harmonious three-part vocal harmony in the early blues style, and was made famous decades ago by Willie Dixon’s ‘Big Three Trio’. This impressive encore, as well as the other well-chosen blues tunes on Mark ‘bird’ Stafford’s debut CD ‘the Birdman’, make this a must-have CD for any fine blues collection.
Artist: Mark ‘bird’ Stafford
CD: ‘the Birdman’ 1996
Label: Lily Jean Records # BM001
Web site: http://www.markbirdstafford.com/
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 Joe Curtis, 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.