Scott Perry's "Hero Worship - Original Interpretations of Traditional Acoustic Blues" pretty much describes this CD. This CD is a tribute to all the black musicians who's music defined early blues music and Scott has selected sixteen tracks either traditional or written by various performers which include Furry Lewis, William Moore, Willie Dixon, Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Skip James and of course no traditional CD could be complete without a track from Robert Johnson. A variety of instruments are used, resonator guitar, guitar, harmonica, fiddle, kazoo, jug, washboard and upright bass. Scott has an excellent voice for this type of music, which is mostly laid back and relaxed.

Of the songs on the CD, Willie Dixon's 'Back Door Man' takes on a laid back, approach with some nice finger picked guitar backing. Blind Boy Fuller's 'Rattlesnakin' Daddy' is a medium shuffle tune. 'See See Rider', which is a staple of many rock bands gets a roots blues treatment, which is not forced, but relaxed, while telling a story, with just enough harmonica to sound good. I'm not a fan of harmonica, however, it's used to great effect here, adding just enough to accent the music, without overpowering the songs. 'France Blues' is a fairly fast 12 bar blues, which shows where the roots of rock & roll came from. Skip Jame's 'Hard Time Killin Floor' is presented as a slow droning blues, with finger picked guitar with some slide guitar accents. Robert Johnson's 'Stop Breakin Down' is presented a lot cleaner and more produced than the original, but retaining the flavor. Muddy Water's 'I's Be Troubled' works as a 12 bar blues, with some nice slide guitar on it's fairly fast tempo. Ov erall all of the songs are done in a tasteful manner, without any of the instruments overpowering the overall feel.

Bottom Line: This CD is roots based blues with no electric instruments. This is fundamental blues that you could hear played on the porch 50 to 100 years ago. If you like your blues based on the roots of this style of music, then this CD is perfect for you. This would be a great CD for sitting back and just sipping on a beer. If you want hot rod electric guitar, ala Stevie Ray Vaughan or others, you better look elsewhere.

Musicians:
Reso-phonic Guitar, kazoo and vocals - Scott Perry
Harmonica - Rick Manson
Fiddle & background vocals - Ralph Berrier
Washboard - Jay Griffin
Jug - Scott Baldwin
Upright Bass- Dylan Locke

"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!

Buy this CD NOW:
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on the Amazon 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:

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.