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The Blind Raccoon and NOLA Blue Collection Vol. 6—Blue
Heart Records BHR 059

This is the sixth welcome collaboration between Betsie Brown’s
Blind Raccoon Promotions and the record labels Nola Blue
Records and Blue Heart Records. Once again, the fifteen num-
bers here are a mixture of album and unreleased tracks, previ-
ously released singles and firm fan favourites.

The opener is the enticing, gospel infused ‘Ballad of Pat Hare’,
(O’Hare himself, was an original 1950s bluesman) from London-

er Oliver “Mississippi” McDonald, whose rasping soulful, south-
ern vocal, well suits this hand clapped toe tapper. Shawn Amos
adds harmonica and vocals.

‘Tidal Wave’, is a very soothing, jazz influenced piano and Hammond B3 instrumental from
Anthony Geraci. The gorgeously rocking, acoustic guitar driven ‘My Baby Loves Me Like a
Hurricane’ from the late Kip London is simply delightful.

‘Survival’ from harmonica player, Douglas Avery (who, by the way, is an honorary member of
The Doors) delivers a wonderfully melancholy bass-driven piece, complete with an equally,
melancholy Doors like guitar (from Franck L. Goldwasser). Deathly enticing!

Teresa James recites an interesting list of things to do on ‘I Do My Drinkin’ on the Weekend’.
It is very informative and full of lively rolling “Honky Tonkin’” piano and country rocking
guitar while, over the top, Teresa delivers a bouncy, cheerfully whimsical vocal.

Vocalist Ange Kogutz and guitarist Anson Funderburgh join The Texas Horns on the crisp and
lively R&B funker ‘Never Buy My Soul’ to deliver a richly splendid floor duster.

On ‘Smoke My Peace Pipe (Smoke It Right)’ or alternatively titled ‘A Tribute to Big Chief Bo
Dollis’, Benny Turner, delivers a warmly affectionate and rumbustious tribute to Big Chief Bo
Dollis’, who was the leader of The Wild Magnolias who upheld the traditions of Indian masking
and often performed New Orleans Mardi Gras music. Another number delivering delicious
New Orleans rhythms, is from keyboard player Dave Keyes, who works his magic on the
joyously hip-loosening number entitled ‘Pookie Po Po’.

The guitar and organ led ‘Man Goes Blind’, is a thoughtful, conscience driven, tough blues from
guitar player Trevor Power, concerning the indifference to life all around him and the ques-
tion “why?”

The melancholic, piano and slide-guitar, emotion stirring ballad ‘Forever Blue, from Terry
Wilson-Slesser, concerns less than favourable memories of a failed love affair.

The downbeat, disheartening chromatic harmonica on the blues filled ‘Struck Out Again’ from
Big Harp George (George Bisharat) satisfyingly punctuates a mournful saxophone as he tells
his tale of woe. This number is an unreleased track from his 2018 album ‘Uptown Cool’,

The Betty James and Clarence Edward Johnson R&B gem, ‘I’m a Little Mixed Up’ is given a
splendidly languid feel by Steve Howell and the Mighty Men. This, is from his forthcoming new
album ‘99½ Won’t Do’.

‘She Might Meet Me’ is a loose, grooving and enticing jazz-fuelled, relaxing guitar piece from
Kenny Parker. This live recording, was originally released as a single in 1999.