Native North Carolinian Mel Melton became enamored with Cajun culture both aural and gastronomic when he traveled to Louisiana in 1969. He hooked up with notables such as legendary slide guitarist Sonny Landreth, saxophonist C.J. Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco in the early 70’s when he began to develop his melting pot musical vision. Between the sounds and flavors, Melton became irrevocably linked to the Cajun traditions. After spending time as a nationally recognized chef based out of Chicago, he returned to the south in the 90’s where he began to exhibit his twin loves of food and music from the stage. Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse is what Melton is up to now. The Cd’s artwork suggests down home cookin’ and the music contained within is just that.

“Zydeco Razzle,” opens things up with the pedal to the metal. Wailin’ guitar and pumping harp propel this 2:03 of raging Cajun bliss into the stratosphere. “Papa Mojo,” follows with a funky, yet lilting feel that helps define what Melton’s music is all about. New Orleans and its myriad musical influences bubble to the surface, but this gumbo is even thicker. You feel the Blues deep within what Mel and his Wicked Mojos is layin’ down. Drummer Evans Nicholson gets that two step beat percolating as needed and keeps things hopping throughout along with rhythm mate F.J. Venture on bass, who also adds some fine crescent city piano work on “Missing You Baby.” Ricky Olivarez’ guitar serves it up anyway the boss wants it. There’s slippery slide and funky riddums aplenty throughout. He keeps “Funky NOLA,” in particular rolling while special guest Dave MacCracken’s Hammond organ plays well off Melton’s gleeful, wailin’ harp. “Ills Sont Parti,” benefits from old pal Landreth’s ever dynamic slide work. This is primal stomp music that satisfies the soul while the feets bop and fingers pop. You can only smile when listening to these cats and I’ll take that any day.

www.melmelton.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.

More CDs:

"This review is copyright © by the writer and Blues On Stage: 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!

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 of your CD to:

Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983

E-mail Ray Stiles with any questions.