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still holding his own on both vocals and guitar and is ably supported here by a first class band.
This album really has that authentic Chicago blues sound that we all know and love and as John
says on the night, “If you’re not having a good time it’s your own damn fault!

Ged Wilson

Lonnie Mack—Strike Like Lightning—Alligator Records

American Lonnie Mack, sadly no longer with us, was a trailblaz-
er with his unique style of lead guitar and vibrato sound that
influenced the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Beck. Alliga-
tor records are about to release this album on vinyl (originally
released in 1985) for the first time in 30 years.

The album opens with Lonnie’s signature guitar sound on the
rocking blues ‘Hound Dog Man’. ‘Satisfy Susie’ is a real foot
tapper that features some great guitar from both Lonnie and
special guest artist none other than Stevie Ray Vaughan, whilst
things slow down a little with the heartfelt blues ‘Stop’.

‘Double Whammy’ is an instrumental that pays tribute as the name suggests to Lonnie’s
original hit ‘The Wham!’ from way back in 1963, both Lonnie and SRV are going hammer and
tongs here! I would also suggest you check out the original you will be amazed how far ahead
of his time Lonnie truly was. As a footnote, it is widely believed that the colloquial term for a
vibrato, ‘whammy bar’ was inspired by Mack’s use of the vibrato arm on ‘Wham!’ or is it just a
myth who knows?

The title track ‘Strike Like Lightning’ hits out with some more great guitar licks from Lonnie
and there is a nice cool relaxed country style feel to the piano based ballad ‘Falling Back In Love
With You’. The album closer ‘Oreo Cookie Blues’ is a real treat of light hearted blues and a
chilled out vibe featuring some slide guitar from Lonnie’s younger brother Bill.

I still have my original vinyl of this album from way back when and I have not listened to it for
some time. What struck me here was how fresh and vibrant the whole album sounds. As well
as being a guitar wizard with such speed and dexterity and a master of the Gibson Flying V
guitar, Lonnie also has a great soulful voice. With special guest Stevie Ray Vaughan in tow
sprinkling his magic, what’s not to like! This has to be up there in my top ten albums of all time
so why not go and give it a spin you will not regret it!

Ged Wilson

Bison Hip—Older Stronger Better—Bad Monkey Records

Bison Hip are a blues rock band from Glasgow and have started
to build some momentum on the back of their excellent EP
releases and have now just launched their debut album, “Older
Stronger Better”.

The album opens with the guitar driven ‘Nothing More Nothing
Less’ and is followed by ‘The One That Got Away’ which has a
nice mellow feel with its lush vocal spread. ‘Symptomatic’ opens