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‘Getcha’ Knee Off My Neck’ references George Floyd, and is an eloquent indictment of racism,
a topic not covered too often in the modern blues – ‘Sorry Charlie’, which features a fine break
by harmonica player Jerry Portnoy, also deals with inequality. ‘Love Before You Die’ is a
funk-tinged song on a bluesy base, and ‘I Want To Be Loved’ is a Willie Dixon composition,

with hints of Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s later funky style in the vocal and arrangement – a very
interesting performance.

‘Too Much Blues’ has a fine, rolling groove and ‘You Don’t Love Me (U Just Love What I Do)’ is
a fine slab of blufunk. The very fine shuffle of ‘Ain’t Goin’ Back To Texas’ (with excellent,
pointed lyrics again), ‘The Right’ (comment – ditto) and a lovely cover of The Isley Brothers’
‘Who’s That Lady’ round out this very fine release. If it was only for the lyrics, I’d be recom-
mending this album; but with the excellent musical accompaniments and delivery too, it’s one
that demands to be heard.

Norman Darwen

Nick Wade – Feeling Good Is Good Enough – Extra Sensory
Productions NWM-2301
(www.nickwademusic.com)

Nick Wade started in music at the age of five, being introduced
to it by his grandfather, Johnny Wade, a professional jazz musi-
cian. He turned to music seriously 17 years later, initially play-
ing Chicago styled blues before being inspired after hearing
Robert Johnson to play an earlier form of blues. And I have to
say, on the evidence of this album, recorded live onto tape, he
does it extremely well indeed.

The first few numbers made me think of an ancient LP I used to own – “Mississippi Blues 1928
- 1941”- on the Belzona label, before it became Yazoo, one of the doyens of the reissue market.
I’m certainly not claiming Nick is up there with Charley Patton, Son House et al, but there is a
directness and straight-ahead no-frills blues approach to his blues, and he clearly understands
the style.

This guy really is good, and Robert Johnson is indeed a notable influence, and not in the most
obvious way – try ‘When You Bury My Body’. The swinging instrumental, ‘Ragamuffin’ mixes
Blind Blake with Mississippi John Hurt – and oddly, (or maybe not really so oddly, if you think
about it) Nick’s Christian faith adds to the conviction of his singing – lend an ear to ‘Sing With
The Angels’.

Totally solo except for the harmonica on ‘Lonesome Copperhead Snake’, and with all twelve
songs originals, this is well worth a listen. Nick just doesn’t sound like an imitator in any way,
and there are very few people around these days I can say that about. I’m impressed.

Norman Darwen