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Hank Williams.

‘So Sweet’ mixes that 50s Chess blues sound with some odd little tweeks – distorted
guitar and cheesy Farfisa organ - and ‘This Work’ is a relaxed 50s-style rock and
roll ballad. ‘Never Love Again - Upbeat’ is a reworking of the opening track with
a more electric sound and distorted harp, ‘When You Go to Sleep’ is a nice slow
blues and the Sonny Boy Williamson (II)-style ‘Blues Jumps In’ closes the album
with just Dave’s harp and voice. As a big fan of Howlin’ Wolf (and Sonny Boy
Williamson (II) and Tom Waits) I really liked this record, it’s not easy to replicate
the sound of Wolf but they do it beautifully – both Big Dave with his characterful
vocals and harp playing and also the band with their very authentic playing, especially
Roel Spanjers’ keyboards. Also, this isn’t just aping that 50s blues sound, they do
put their own spin on things with that off-the-wall Tom Waits-style vibe.

Graham Harrison

Emma Wilson—A Spoonful of Willie Dixon—
Emma Wilson Music ASIN :B0F491HXXT

Middlesbrough’s Emma Wilson’s last album 2023’s
‘Memphis Calling’ included Willie Dixon’s ‘Hoochie
Coochie Mama (Man)’ which made her want to sing

more of his songs resulting in this EP/album. We
begin with ‘Spoonful’ which falls between the
versions by Howlin’ Wolf and Cream with Emma’s
strong, confident vocals and the excellent band of
Bennet Holland (keyboards), Nick Svark (guitar),
Ian Leese (bass) and Mark Barret (drums).

‘Good to the Last Drop’ is a rocking song I didn’t

know but Emma delivers it wonderfully, ditto ‘I Can’t Quit You Baby’ as recorded
by Otis Rush and with great organ and guitar here. ‘Wang Dang Doodle’ follows
the classic Koko Taylor version and the swinging ‘I Want to Be Loved’ makes you
forget the original Muddy Waters’ version, while the closer ‘It Don't Make Sense
(You Can’t Make Peace)’ isn’t a typical Dixon song but Emma and the band do it
proud with a very sensitive version.

This is an excellent piece of work from both Emma, whose vocals are first class
throughout, and also the band who support her wonderfully – we’ve heard many

takes on these songs over the years but Emma and the band manage to put an
original spin on them and also make you realise what a great songwriter Mr. Dixon
was.

Graham Harrison