Page 43 - BiTS_07_JULY_2025_Neat

REVIEWS

Charlie Musselwhite—Look Out Highway—
Forty Below Records ASIN : B0DWY15W43

Harp master Charlie Musselwhite's new album was
recorded mainly in Kid Andersen's Greaseland
Studio in San Jose, California with his road band of

GA-20's Matt Stubbs (guitar), Randy Bermudes
(bass) and June Core (drums), with one-time band
member Kid also helping out on keyboards and

guitar. The record was produced by Kid and also
by Charlie's wife ‘Henri’ and Gary Vincent for the
songs done at Clarksdale Sound Stage in Charlie's

new hometown in Mississippi. The title track starts the album off with Charlie's
superb harp and his lazy, distinctive vocals over a relentless beat, ‘Sad Eyes’ slows
things down for a very unique sound with Matt's echoey guitar and Kid on piano
and organ. ‘Storm Warning' is a more conventional blues with Charlie barking out

the vocals and on 'Baby Won't You Please Help Me' he states "I was born in
Mississippi; I was raised In Tennessee...." over an insistent rhythm section and

chiming guitars.

'Hip Shakin' Mama' is a rocking fast number with cheesy Farfisa organ from Kid and
a blasting harp solo from Charlie – like his vocals his harp playing is very distinctive
combining obvious influences like Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson (II).

'Highway 61' is a loping blues reminiscent of 'Rock Me Baby' with lyrics from several
classic blues songs and nice lead guitar (Kid?), while on ‘Ready for Times to Get
Better' he's joined on vocals by Edna Luckett on this Allen Reynolds song originally

recorded by Crystal Gayle. ‘Ramblin’ is My Game' is a stop-time Chicago blues with
Kid on lead guitar, ‘Blue Lounge' is an instrumental featuring Charlie playing slide
guitar and the autobiographical ‘Ghosts in Memphis' features a brief appearance by

rapper Al Kapone. The album closes with 'Open Road' a blues shuffle based on Kid's
boogie piano with Charlie once again talking about rambling – "Well, my baby she
loves to ramble, she loves this old open road".

This is a fine album from Charlie who is obviously very at home with both his road
band and old friend Kid Andersen producing, he sounds very relaxed – but then
again he always does. The original songs here reflect his experiences from 60-odd
years of touring and although he may not be the greatest singer his southern drawl

is both very distinctive and also charming, with his harp playing being just as unique
and instantly recognisable. Plus, Kid's production and additional instruments just
add that extra something to the finished product.

Graham Harrison