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was obviously a strong influence on the psychedelic sounds that were to rise to
prominence within only a few short months. From 1970, ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’
has a fine jazz-tinged reworking and lots of the leader’s harp playing, before a

lengthy ‘Driftin’ Blues’ closes out an instructive and enjoyable release.

Norman Darwen

The Blues Masters Featuring Cassie Taylor—
Exulans DMD
(www.thebluesmasters.com)

I have enjoyed Cassie’s previous recordings but
this one does take things further after a break
from music. Cassie’s singing is quite simply
stunning at times on a gospel-steeped programme

of material from the likes of The Staple Singers,
Aretha Franklin, Blind Willie Johnson and others.

Many of these songs have driving blues
backings—lend an ear to the opening ‘Downward
Road’ or the powerhouse, pounding version of ‘Wade In The Water’, and note just
how good the backing singers are too. Otis Taylor’s daughter’s voice is right up

front throughout though, and try the rendition of the O.V. Wright southern soul
classic ‘You’re Gonna Make Me Cry’ and the heavy blues backing, including some
wailing harp by Doug Lynn, on Pops Staple’s ‘I Wonder Why’ for a couple of totally
effective changes of musical focus.

‘If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again’ mixes country with gospel, an up tempo

rendering with prominent lap steel guitar by Sally Van Meter, and the bright beats
and performances of ‘If You’re Ready’ and ‘Respect Yourself’ beautifully recall the
halcyon, positive days of The Staple Singers at Stax Records. Aretha’s ‘Chain Of
Fools’ closes this extremely impressive set with a fine classic soul performance
with the kind of vocal heard all too rarely these days (plus nice blues harp again).

A wonderful release from all concerned, and Cassie, it’s good to have you back!

Norman Darwen

Brody Buster—Redemption—Independent
(www.brodybustermusic.com)

At seven years old, Kansas youngster Brody began
playing his mother’s harmonicas and within just
a few years he had become a child prodigy, seen

in some of the biggest television shows in the USA,
lauded by BB King and working with the likes of

Keb’ Mo’, Quincy Jones and others. Later on
though, things become rather darker, and Brody