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Pops Fletcher & the Hucksters—Almost Live—
Independent

This is the debut set from this band, brought together

by Wisconsin-based singer/ guitarist Matthew “Pops”
Fletcher Goodwin in 2013 after decades of backing
others. The intention was that this should be a live set,

but the logistics of getting everyone together proved too
much of a challenge (some members also play for other
bands)– so three of the band recorded the set live in the

studio, with other instruments added later – not that
you’d ever know.

It hits the ground running, with ‘Trickle Down’ a fine swinging blues riding a strong

organ cushion from Todd Phipps.. ‘Johnny Gets Around’ has fine slide and Pops’ cool
vocals, whilst ‘Red Canoe’ is probably not about an outing in a kayak but does have
a nice, subtle, funky feel. The tempo slows for the blues-ballad ‘Try’, and what is

becoming obvious by now is that Pops and crew play fine original blues, and that
although the band apparently usually stretch their numbers out on stage (‘Rear
View Mirror’ and the six minute closer, ‘Trouble Comin’, give an idea of this), these

performances are otherwise tight, focused and very listenable.

The album continues in this vein, with a particularly effective slow blues in ‘The
Pleaser’ and an almost garage sound on ‘Anybody Could Love You’. It’s modern blues

all the way with this set, very much worth investigating.

Norman Darwen

(www.popsfletcher.com)

Sean McDonald—Have Mercy!—Little Village Lvf
1078

I first became aware of Sean – then working as “Mack

McDonald” - a while back when I came across him on
Facebook, and I was definitely impressed. Now here’s

the debut album from this 24 year old singer and
guitarist from Augusta, Georgia, and it is guaranteed to
raise the spirits of any blues lover.

Just take a listen to the opener, a slab of big-sounding
50s R’n’B/ rock and roll entitled ‘My Soul’, sounding like a recently discovered
masterpiece from some long-overlooked, dusty studio vault – wonderful lead,
backing vocals, top-notch band and a very catchy performance. But, excellent though

this is, there is so much more to Sean’s talent.

He captures that perfect mid-50s balance between rock and roll and R’n’B again on
‘Angel Baby’ with its Little Richard tinge, whilst he hits a perfect New Orleans R’n’B