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Big George Jackson
Photo © 1999 Tom Asp All rights reserved
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Dwight Dario's kick drum has a piece of paper that had the words "Blues Band" printed on it and that about sums up what these guys are all about -- straight ahead, authentic sounding, back-alley, gut-bucket, Chicago style blues. Bass player John Schroder also had a note taped to one of the speakers stating that, "No, we do not play Mustang Sally." I like that kind of attitude.
The twin guitar attack of Phil Schmid and Jeremy Johnson is both original and refreshingly traditional. They are among the few players in the Twin Cities who know how to coax that genuine sound from their guitars. They did a Hound Dog Taylor/Brewer Phillips instrumental, "Kitchen Sink Boogie," that just brought a smile to my face. On the new CD, "Beggin' Ain't For Me," Phil and Jeremy played it with just two guitars and drums (no bass), similar to how some of the early Chicago blues was played.
The leader of the band, George Jackson, is big both in stature and talent. When he holds his harmonica and bullet mic up to his mouth all you see are his hands and all you hear is that great old sound coming out of the speakers. His uncluttered harp playing, influenced by Big Walter Horton and Sonny Boy Williamson, serves as an excellent counterpoint to his deep baritone vocals that start waaaaaaay down in the basement and come rumbling out over the audience. I could actually feel my body vibrating from the sound waves created by his voice.
George is a likeable easy going man who enjoys telling some entertaining stories as short introductions to some of his songs. Because this was the band's CD release party many of his family and friends were in the audience including his father. George had an interesting tale or two to tell about his father and brothers that centered around a rubbish truck that his dad had when George was growing up. The upbeat song, "Rubbish Truck," told the story of George and his brothers having to work all day Saturday instead of being allowed to take off with their friends.
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Polish Power
Photo © 1999 Tom Asp All rights reserved
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Mayslack's is an interesting place. It is a small Nordeast Minneapolis neighborhood bar with a back room where the music is played. The walls are lined with a mixture of pictures that include, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Do Diddley and Jerry Lee Lewis as well as several area polka bands. There is even a banner that reads Polish Power hanging behind the stage. Famous for its roast beef sandwiches and polka music the blues surprisingly seemed to fit right in here.
Tonight the band was pretty keyed up and played with a lot of raw energy but on any given night if you are looking for some down and dirty blues, one of the best tickets in town has got to be Big George Jackson and his stellar band.
CD Review