CD Review
Carl Weathersby
"Come To Poppa"
Evidence Records (ECD 26108-2)
by Dick Houff
Review date: August 2000
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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Carl Weathersby has a powerful handshake. We met a couple of years back
and the first thing I noticed were his massive hands. And when he took
the stage and hammered down a set of power chords in the key of E,
followed by rapid fire picking and bends, I was quick to observe that
he was playing without picks. Up till that point, I had never seen a
musician play electric lead or rhythm guitar and not use picks. My
conclusion came by way of conversation with Carl, after the first set.
I told him that he would probably break every damn guitar string—plus
the picks, if he were to use them. He smiled, and said, you’re
probably right. Weathersby is a fine bluesman and can wear that title
with pride. He has received 5 W.C Handy nominations including the best
guitarist category this year. Carl is young and has brought a new edge
to his chosen genre. This is his fourth outing with Evidence Records,
and it becomes quite apparent when listening to this fine showcase,
that he’s here to stay! With a special guest list of performers such as
the one and only; Ann Peebles (vocal on the first track: "Come To
Poppa"), and The Memphis Horns. You take all that with Carl’s
well-seasoned band and twelve killer tracks, and you’re pretty much out
in front of the pack as you cross the line! Check out the Hammond B-3
organ with horns and the Weathersby/Peebles duet on "Come To
Poppa"—marvelous. The second track "Leap Of Faith" is packed with soul
along with Carl’s tough lead. Albert King would’ve loved hearing this
song. Carl played rhythm guitar for Albert for three years—what an
experience! Albert was a fine frontman, and Carl is most definitely a
leader and a powerful composer. Listen to track 7: "My Baby" and 11:
"Danger All About," an you’ll get a feel for what I’m talking about.
His rendition of "Drifting Blues"—the final track, is as good as it
gets. Take this one home to your special and get cozy—highly
recommended from yours truly.
This review is copyright © 2000 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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