WFHB Music - Bloomington Community Radio

Burke, Solomon & De Dijk – “Hold on Tight” (Verve-Forecast) B+

Solomon Burke, one of the most influential soul singers since forever, died last year, going out as many a musician might hope to--en route to a gig. These last few years he’d been stretching out in/with different musical styles/musicians (“Nashville” etc.) making just about every style of musical soulful. This one—largely rockin’-- is the result of a four-year association with Dutch rock and roll band—De Dijk. Co-writing most all tunes on this—De Dijk’s first album in English—Solomon Burke undauntedly fronts an 8-piece, European R & R band with aplomb, though for my money this band sometimes crowds the musical landscape. They’re good though. Burke’s daughter Cindy and granddaughter Sophia provide backups and he claims to here be “at last a full member of a band.” Only Solomon could make a soul tune out of “Text Me.” We’re sure gonna miss this guy.

Gray, Henry – “Lucky Man” (Blind Pig) A

Blind Pig is re-issuing some old blues recordings now and this one features New Orleans/Chicago blues pianist Henry Gray who became renowned in Chicago beginning with a 12-year stint as Howlin’ Wolf’s pianist and then went on to back up just about everyone there on recordings before dropping out of the scene for a couple of decades (when he worked as a roofer in Baton Rouge for 15 years (!).Yet, like many before him, he re-emerged to great acclaim later in his life. These sessions were recorded in the late ‘80’s and demonstrate Gray’s great rollin’ piano work and some wonderfully expressive vocals over GREAT blues. He’s got the creds, the abilities and only in the 90’s came to prominence as the star, not the sideman. A great player and bluesman…we miss him.

Rachell, Yank – “Blues Mandolin Man” (Blind Pig) A

This is a re-release of Yank’s 1986 recording (Random Chance) featuring Bloomington’s own Pete Roller, Lenny Marsh and harper Peter “Madcat” Ruth, along with Yank’s granddaughter Sheena on bass. Tight album from the old-time mandolin master who played with Sleepy John Estes (and Hammie Nixon) for 40 years, paired with Sonnyboy Williamson and moved from his native Brownsville (TN) to Indy in the ‘50s, where he died and was laid to rest. Arguably one of the best blues mandolin players on the planet . Roller provides beautifully supportive slide guitar work along with Madcat’s soulful harp and Sheena/Lenny’s solid rhythm section driving the bus. A great disc…and a wonderful man. Good for all mixes.

Sullivan, Quinn – “Cyclone” (Under the Radar) B+

Whiz kid Sullivan is the young guitarist who appeared on Ellen Degeneres at age 6 and wow’d Buddy Guy on stage at age 8—copying his guitar licks fearlessly and taking the crowd by storm. Championed by Buddy, Quinn was quickly launched (managed by Guy) and now at age 12 has already shared the stage with Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks and who knows who else. This disc features an original Buddy Guy tune and 11 of renowned songwriter and producer Tom Hambridge. This kid is taking the place by storm, though it’s strange listening to some ripping guitar and a wicked back-up band with a little boy’s voice fronting the storm. He’s already dangerous with that wicked guitar; when his voice changes, he’s gonna be lethal. This disc is a rocker with some alarming pop tunes.

Thackery, Jimmy and the Drivers – “Feel The Heat” (Indie/Telarc Distrib) B+

Guitar samurai Thackery, a Pittsburgh native, grew up in Washington, DC where he became known as the blistering guitarist for the Nighthawks, with whom he worked for 13 years and recorded over 20 albums. In 1987 he launched himself as a front-man with various power trios (Jimmy Thackery and the Assassins, Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers) and remains at the top of his game with muscular blues guitar work that takes no prisoners, makes no apologies and also nears the 20-album mark. A glutton for road-work, Thackery is recognized as one of the premiere blues-rock guitarists on the scene today. His vocals are adequate and his songwriting continues to progress (he writes 10 of the 12 tunes here) though I find these tunes a strange collection. It’s his guitar work that still soars and is his true gift.

Various – “The Best of Mustique Blues” (Wolf) B

Every January in Mustique (West Indies) Basil’s Bar (which boasts a stage surrounded on three sides by beach and water) hosts a blues festival for charity. It began with the love of the blues, and the hope to raise money to pay for children there to go to school. This disc is a collection of the best performers of the last 15 years—performing live. Produced by Dana Gillespie (blues fan/player) and the bar owner, Basil Charles, who for his charity work was subsequently awarded an O.B.E. by the Queen. Not bad for blues eh? And a bad collection of blues from a wide variety of players.

Vickers, Brad & His Vestapolitans – “Travelin’ Fool” (ManHatTone) C