With his limited discography, Everett, Wash. native Curtis Salgado, 45, could be one of the most over-looked of contemporary blues artists, and he certainly deserves a bigger niche in blues history than the customary footnote he gets as the man who introduced John Belushi to the blues and inspired the Blues Brothers schtick.
Salgado's broad vocal range and aching emotional depth mix and match stylistic influences from old blues to R&B, soul and gospel, and he's a harp player with dazzling technique and extraordinary soulfulness. He was the lead singer/harp man for the Robert Cray Band from 1976 to 1982, fronted Roomful of Blues from 1984 to 1986 and continues to be an active force on the Pacific Northwest blues scene.
"Wiggle Outta This" is a 10-track mix of classic blues styles and traditional originals done in one or two takes. It also offers a good mix of what Salgado calls "Pentecostal Delta Funk Punk" or "Sly Stone meets Muddy Waters."
Joining Salgado and Robb is John Wedemeyer on guitars, Peter Boe on keyboards, Reinhardt Meiz on drums and Victor Little on bass. Additional musicians include: guitarists Duke Robillard, Marion McClain and Terry Robb; bassist Nathaniel Phillips; organists Louis Payne and Christopher Turner and drummer Mark Lomax.
Web: www.curtissalgado.com
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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