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25 was at his lowest point and found solace, purpose and reconciliation with his faith. Years of
dedicated live work have resulted in invitation performances at Buddy Guy’s ‘Legends’ club and
being part of the International Blues Challenge.
This is Joe’s fourth album (the others are: “Good News Blues”, “Love From A Distance” and “Grace,
Faith and Blues”) and here Joe takes lead vocal and guitar with Tom Cole on bass and Derrick
Enyard on drums, together, this power trio deliver 10 original compositions written by Joe. The
album was mixed by Kevin Shirley at his Cave Studios in Sydney, Australia. The opening two
numbers are declarations of love for the woman in his life: The pounding percussion and strikingly
funky yet slightly psychedelic prowling guitar from Joe and Bobby Wilson on ‘I Like It,’ certainly
grabs your attention, as does Biscuit Miller’s funkin’ bass lines on ‘Hot Lovin’ Momma,’ here, the
strident percussion and bass merrily takes us on a trip back to the seventies. Whereas ‘Do Your
Work In Me’ is in a slower, funkier groove, as Joe, achingly asks to work with God. The satisfying
mixture of gentle acoustic and rich ringing electric guitar on ‘Jesus I Love The Way You Love’,
amply displays Joe’s commitment to his faith. The melancholy ballad ‘Broken Angel Of The Delta’, is
an emotion filled tribute to his sister, the gentle pain ridden guitar work matches Joe’s equally
mournful vocals. On a lighter note, the rousing fifties inspired Texas shuffle ‘Baby Rocks The Boat’,
splendidly, lifts your spirits and your feet.
Greatly endorsed!
Brian Harman.
Cash McCall CD Single—Blues Coming Down/One Who’s Got
A Lot —Nola Blue Records
The two numbers here are from Cash (Morris Dollinson, Jr. 28
January, 1941 – 20 April, 2019), who was a guitarist, singer and
songwriter, his recording and performing career encompassed
gospel, blues and soul. The numbers were recorded with his old
friend, composer and guitarist Jim Koeppel in 2014 and 2015.
Produced by Jim Koeppel, ‘One Who’s Got A Lot’ and ‘Blues
Coming Down’ were recorded in Los Angeles in 2015.
‘One Who’s Got A Lot’ was previously issued digitally January 31,
2020; ‘Blues Coming Down’ is being made available for the first time in any format. They have
been, mixed, mastered and released to celebrate what would have been his 79th birthday. Joining
Cash who takes lead vocals and rhythm guitar are Jim Koeppel; lead guitar, Rajiv Halim; tenor
saxophone, Tennyson Stephens; piano, John Christy; Hammond B3, Welton Gite; bass and James
Gadson; drums.
On the melancholy ballad ‘Blues Coming Down’, a lazy, richly fat tenor saxophone leads a mournful
B3, as Cash’s deep, woe-filled vocals bemoan his lost love and how, now, he feels at an all time
low’. A stark piano is joined by slowly stinging guitar. The pulsing shuffle ‘One Who’s Got A Lot’
concerns a rather well developed, eye-catching lady, that Cash has taken a fancy to in a coffee shop.
The strong, sweet, soul drenched vocals of Cash shine through, with a slowly slapping back-beat
and gently rising guitar as company.
Greatly endorsed!
Brian Harman.