CD Review
Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith & the Juke Joint Rockers
Bluesin’ It
Electro-Fi 2004 (E-Fi 3385)
by Tim Holek
Review date: November 2004
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation
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The Electro-Fi president, Andrew Galloway, is a staunch fan of old-time, traditional blues. He has quickly learned how to capture that venerable sound in the studio. For Willie Smith’s Electro-Fi debut, a supporting band of Canadian blues all-stars was assembled. Most have either won or have been nominated several times for a Maple Blues Award (Canadian equivalent to the Handy.) By the seasoned sounds they create on this 63-minute CD, you’d swear some Mississippi mud runs through their veins. Having been born in Helena, Arkansas, the Delta is no stranger to Smith. For 15 years, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, played his traditional "shuffle" style drums for Muddy Waters. Later, Smith established his own niche within the Delta blues tradition by co-founding the Legendary Blues Band with other Waters alumni. Smith has received seven Handy Awards for best drummer. Together these Rockers lay out 14 numbers including originals written by Smith and other band members along with covers from the likes of Mayfield and Dixon. Wisely, Smith’s unexceptional vocals are kept to a minimum.
Right from the get-go on You’re Too Bad, Al Lerman’s harp is burst-ful, and Jack de Keyzer’s guitar notes are precisely delivered. Bob Stroger’s finely-tuned bass and effort-exhibiting vocals bring vision to Blindman. It has the same funky arrangement as Albert King’s classic Pretty Woman. Vocally, Smith sounds fine on River’s Invitation. Although his vocals are low and flat, he occasionally makes them rumble. Hard Times will leave you breathless thanks to John Mays’ enchanting vocals and Michael Fonfara’s masterful organ.
The band also includes Alec Fraser, Kenny Wayne and Frank Krakowski. Smith gets top billing as his is the biggest name and he plays the role of host. However, the real story here is how well the band gels. Perhaps this is partially due to having performed numerous gigs/CDs with Smith prior to this release. Sure as the hour expires, the songs become too similar and your interest may fade a bit. But Smith passes the blues from one generation to another and this time, its an international affair.
Tim Holek
Freelance Journalist/Photographer
www.timholekblues.ca
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