CD Review
Johnnie Bassett & the Blues Insurgents
"Party My Blues Away "
Cannonball Records
by Michael Martindale
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With so much mediocre music finding its way onto the airwaves it is a real delight to hear a recording like "Party." This Detroit outfit is on line to put the music back in Motown. Bassett shows that his winning of the 1998 W.C. Handy Blues Album Award for last year's "Cadillac Blues" was no fluke. This year's album model may become an anthem for blues fans with a real smokey, club feel. If Bassett's classic guitar, harmonica and vocals weren't enough he's backed by a very fine batch of musicians - each who sparkles on his own. R.J. Spangler's drums and brushes hit the spot throughout, Chris Codish's Hammond organ and Keith Kaminski's and Dwight Adams' horns escort Bassett through 11 original selections (half penned by Codish's father) which should satisfy any blues lover's hunger. The group even offers up it's own dance tune "Johnnie's Boogaloo." Blues influences are felt throughout: "Wondering Blues," in which Bill Heid sits in on piano, reminds one of an elegant Charles Brown number; "Big Boss Woman" nods towards B.B. King. But make no mistake, this is Johnnie Bassett, overdue for a national breakout. And just how many CDs do you know that come with a "Money Back Guarantee." Indeed. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Web: www.canball.com
CONTACT INFO FOR JOHNNIE BASSETT
MANAGEMENT; R.J. SPANGLER, OFFICE 313-881-3005
BOOKING-Rita McHann, The Blues Agency, PO Box 1271, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1271
Phone (408) 793-5122 Fax: (831) 459-0752
E-mail: bluesagent@aol.com
This review is copyright © 1999 by Michael Martindale, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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