WFHB Music - Bloomington Community Radio

Castiglia, Albert – “Keepin’ On” (Blues Leaf Records) B

Of Cuban-Italian descent, Castiglia finished college and did is social service work until he realized what he really wanted (in Chicago, via Miami) – was the blues. His guitar work had begun at age 12 and after he tried the establishment route, he started playing out, got heard in a club by Jr. Wells, and the next thing he knew he was touring with Jr. around the world. When Junior died, Castiglia went out on his own…this is his fourth disc, and leans heavily on rock-blues. SRV gymnastic guitar but somewhat tempered by his blues work. Works with a power-trio and fills any holes that need it. Not a bad singer and takes lots of vitamins….satisfying for amped up guitar slingers.

Champon, Grady – “Back in Mississippi-Live” (Earwig Music) B+

Newcomer Grady Champion is used to fighting for his place. The youngest of 28 children (!), he hit the blues scene as a harmonica, guitar, and songwriting “triple-threat,” and continues to use all three in a lively act. This year he won the 26^th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and turned his rural farm background and beginning gospel singing years into an impactful blues force. He first completed two albums on Shanachie featuring blues with politically conscious themes, and got into the fun of performing in a big way. This live performance reflects the entertaining side of him, liberally dosed with harmonica, shout-outs to the audience, and energetic vocals that reflect his gospel background--smooth and raspy by turns. Someone to watch.

Cohen, Andy – “Built Right on the Ground” (Earwig Records) B+

Old time folk blues player who has been after it for decades…specializes in the acoustic and rag fingerpicking styles…dang good at it too. He plays some great fingerstyle guitar here, and you can tell he loves it an goes after with gusto. Voice is getting shakier with age as his hands continue to dazzle. Called a “revivalist hero” in the liner notes, Cohen started long ago working alongside his blind guitar heroes—most especially favoring the Rev. Gary Davis. His tune selections say a lot about his love of pre-WWII folk and gospel music, not to mention his skill. He reaps some treasures from 1929, a rag by Sidney Bechet and Benny Goodman, Memphis Minnie, Peetie Wheatstraw, etc. Valuable history lesson in acoustic blues, and rarely do players cover guitar, dolceola so well – most tunes good for all mixes.

Copeland, Les – “Don’t Let the Devil In” (Earwig Records) A-

British Columbian guitarist who loves all styles, but got won over by Mississippi Fred McDowell as he learned guitar at age 11. A lover of jazz and blues, you can hear a myriad of influences in his work all over this disc. Seems to have a great an interest in making over tunes with his own arrangements, and is an adept slide player—a rare talent. (He pays homage to Ry Cooder with a tune of that name that really demonstrates his considerable skill.) A solo performer, his guitar work is more than enough to command attention. Friends Honeyboy Edwards (gtr) and Michael Frank (harp) sit in on a couple here as well. Earwig’s Michael Frank is on a roll these days, spotlighting some good pickers of acoustic bent. This one is a keeper. Inventive and soulful with his own touches on all he does. Good for all mixes.

Cray, Robert – “Cookin’ in Mobile” (Vanguard-Nozzle Records) B

Extremely popular, though sometimes slammed by blues purists, Cray has continued to re-invent the blues-according-to-Cray and you can’t fault his impeccable guitar work, and vocals that often meld soul and blues to good effect. An avid fan of Albert Collins, Cray shot to stardom with big timers right off the bad. Since he’s put out numerous successful albums and continues to please though audience can’t seem to decide if he is soul or blues. Sticks largely to mid-tempo and soul-slow tunes. This disc is composed of tunes from one performance (and you can hear the audience mixed into the background. That makes the steady musical quality of this disc all the more amazing.

Mastro, Johnny & Mama’s Boys – “Beautiful Chaos” (BlackRollercoaster Music) C

L.A. Band named after big mama club owner there—now disceased. Used to be a laid back, more traditional blues band, but with personnel changes and an amp-age upgrade, they’ve become a sort of ZZ Top Rock-Blues bunch. Sounds heavily influenced by Canned Heat and possibly a lotta Coolaid. Lots of fuzz-tone, neck-shakin’ harp, and references to wine-heads. Yeehaw. Not really recommended unless you are largely under the influence and it’s dark in the bar.

Stone, Rob – “Back Around Here” (Earwig) B+

Boston born Rob Stone has been a fixture on the side-harp Chicago circuit for a long time, concentrating mostly on gigging and getting better, A premiere album on Earwig many years ago (Just my Luck) did fairly well, and since then Stone has guested here, there and everywhere. His former band mates, Patrick Rynn and Chris James—recently hitting the big time with two great blues discs of their own, re-join him here, co-writing all songs and playing some hot stuff too– offering evidence of sincere dedication to the traditional Chicago blues sound. Vocals have a certain monotone sameness, but ain’t too shabby. Guess Sam Lay, Willie Smith , David Maxwell and Aaron Moore (among others) only add to the sound and testify to Stone’s Chicago connections. I really dug the Rynn/James sound and adding a harp rounds it out nicely.

White, Will – “Rise Above” (Whippoorwill Music) A

Canadian who describes himself as an acoustic, Americana, country-fusion player, and I think he might be right. Plaintive voice, great banjo/guitar/mandolin playing and descriptive songs that offer rich reflection and a kind of mournful acceptance and appreciation of the small things – even when they collaborate to conquer him. (“Tobacco worm in the sweet sun, tearin’ my tobacco down”) as well as stories of fiercesome Civil War battles. A delightful disc of mountain music. Refreshingly Americana – which in this case envelopes Canada too! Good for all mixes.

Wiggins, Steve – “Precious Cargo” (Roosterfish) B+

Florida piano man…14-year veteran of the road and a fan of Greg Allman, Chuck Leavall and Jimmy Smith, Wiggins toured with his band ”Foolstar” and then came back to Florida…taking up session work and jamming with whomever on five Blues Cruises. Put out several easy listening records (popular with fans) and this is his first blues-oriented disc—done live. Drummer/vocalist Lenwood Cherry, Jr. has expressive voice (yay)…record heavy on the Hammond organ and ivory tinkling. Minimally backed with bass, drums and sax, Wiggins pulls it off in a sort of jazzy, easy listening, blues approach.

Woods, Tim – “The Blues Sessions” (Earwig) B-

Bitten hard by the blues bug, Woods traveled from Pennsylvania through the south, trying to get a fix on blues and the “masters” who created them. He amassed a collection of history and friends, and this first CD is his dream—working with a variety of blues players – Delta, boogie and Chicago styles. The music sounds good…vocals not so much—voice strains. You can feel the “earnest,” but not sure the “deep” comes over. Interesting collection—not sure it hangs together.