CD Review
    Smokehouse
    "Edge of the Swamp"
    King Snake Records (44)
    by Matt Alcott
    Review date: January 2000
    1999 KBA Award Winner
    Achievement for Blues on the Internet
    Presented by the Blues Foundation
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    "Edge of the Swamp" marks the fourth release for this Southern Florida blues-rock band. Opening for such acts as Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, Noble "Thin Man" Watts, Kenny Neal, James Peterson and Lester Chambers has enabled the band-comprised of bassist Thomas "Doc Holiday" Westray, drummer Aaron "Pop" Watson, harmonica/lead vocalist Anthony "Packrat" Thompson (author of 11 of 12 cuts on CD) and guitarist Robert "Lightning Boy" Thomas-to further refine their sound and mature into a decent sounding blues band.

    Thompson's vocals are deep, rough (a.k.a. John Lee Hooker) and contemporary. The groove is filled with mid-tempo beats and Jimmy Reed influenced guitars along with steady and tight drumming from Watson. Highlights include "Credit Card Blues" and "Hoodoo Lover."

    Thompson relinquishes lead vocals once on the CD ("What's Your Flavor Baby") and it helps to add a nice dimension to the band's overall repetitive but derivative sound. They should do more of this in the future.

    (904) 423-4728

    This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.

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    Copyright © 2000 Ray M. Stiles
    All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.