This CD has been played more than any other lately in this writer's listening rotation. Maybe it's Marquis' killer Mississippi Delta-inspired guitar phrasing and tone that blasted out of the Yamaha computer speakers upon its first spin.
Getting it all started is a cover of the Neville Brothers/Jimmie Vaughan tribute to Stevie Ray called "Another Blues Singer." In his liner notes, Marquis dedicates this touching cover "to the many musicians I've played with over the years that have gone home, especially: Billy G. Marquis Sr.; Kevin Mills; Charlie Jacobs and Darrell Gunter."
Filling out the lineup is bassist Steve Hauth, keyboardist Jim "Fish" Michie and drummer Robert Marquis.
Most of 10 cuts that appear on "The Blues and Beyond-Walnut Street" are catchy up-tempo tunes in the tried-and-true 2/4 beat with pentatonic scale guitar solos, which are usually played in minor key. Highlights include "Black & White," "I Need You," "Her Mind Is Gone" and "Push Comes to Shove."
Marquis Brothers Music, Inc., 405 Faison Ave., Indianola, Miss., 38751
(662) 887-3492
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
E-mail Ray Stiles at: 
We build websites