CD Review
Charlie Musselwhite
"Continental Drifter"
Pointblank 47130 2
by Ann Wickstrom
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The music of other cultures has started to seep into Charlie Musselwhite's blues. Let's hope this is one leak that doesn't stop. Continental Drifter reflects the various musical influences that have inspired Musselwhite over the years, most notably the Cuban and Brazilian sounds that Charlie's travels have presented to him. Four songs were recorded with Cuban friend and colleague Eliades Ochoa and his group Cuarteto Patria. One of these is "Que Te Parece, Cholita?" (which means "What Do You Think, Cholita?") Imagine south-of-the-border rhythms and flamenco-style guitar behind typical blues lyrics like "I think my baby loves me, she loves this highway too. When she needs to ramble, there's nothing else that will do."
These are not the only songs on Continental Drifter that will make you scratch your head a bit. "Can't Stay Away From You", although one of the tunes recorded with Musselwhite's fine touring band, has a "Tequila" beat, "jungle" drums, and a harp solo that seems to stray into a different key at times (although the rest of the band does not). It's a strange but welcome departure that - like most of the album - keeps you on your toes. The opening cut, "No", is simply one of the best blues songs I've ever heard, and, were it a rock song, surely it would quickly soar to the top of the Billboard charts. It features a catchy hook and a countrified guitar lick that repeats throughout, as well as a great guitar solo by John Wedemeyer. Barney Kessel's "Little Star" is another keeper, a jazzy instrumental with a Latin feel. Continental Drifter also sports a few solo tunes in which Musselwhite incorporates the Delta sounds he grew up with. With more than thirty years of recording under his belt, Charlie points to this release as his most exciting music. It's not only exciting: it's refreshing. Coming from someone as REAL and respected among the purists as ol' Elevator Eyebrows, it ought to open a few minds.
This review is copyright © 1999 by Ann Wickstrom, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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