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Charlie Musselwhite—Look Out Highway—For-
ty Below Records
Charlie Musselwhite does not need any introduc-
tion as he is such a well established blues legend
and I can’t wait to give his new album, “Look Out
Highway” a spin.
The album opens with the title track ‘Look Out
Highway’ which hits the straps from the word go.
‘Sad Eyes’ has a more gentle laid back vibe to it with
some nice organ sounds in the background. ‘Storm
Warning’ is a straightforward blues shuffle whilst
‘Baby Won’t You Please Help Me’ has a prominent bass line that drives things along.
‘Hip Shakin’ Mama’ is an up-tempo blues that gets your feet tapping along. ‘Highway
61’ no, not that one this one’s Charlie’s and it’s so cool.
Charlie is ably supported on vocals by Edna Luckett on ‘Ready For Times To Get
Better’ and ‘Ramblin’ Is My Game’ has that Fabulous Thunderbirds vibe to it. ‘Blue
Lounge’ is a slow slide guitar driven blues instrumental whilst Al Kapone features
with some rap style vocals on ‘Ghosts of Memphis’. The album closes with ‘Open
Road’ a fine eight bar blues not too dissimilar to ‘Key To The Highway’ in style.
This album was recorded by Kid Anderson and a fine job he has done too. Charlie’s
road band of Matt Stubbs on guitar, June Core on drums and Randy Bermudes on
bass all add to a great overall tight blues album that hits the spot. OK Charlie is not
the best singer in the world but none the less has a voice that is lived in and adequate
and works with these songs but there is no doubting his talent as a harmonica
player; he is one of the finest there is. To me his harp playing is awesome and he
produces such a spine tingling tone I have to say you cannot help but enjoy this album.
It may not be anything particularly radical or new but what we have here is an album
that any blues lover or harp aficionado like me would certainly enjoy.
Ged Wilson
Emma Wilson—A Spoonful Of Willie Dixon—Se-
lect -O- Hits
Emma Wilson is a British Rhythm and Blues Singer
and as the name suggests her new album, “A Spoon-
ful Of Willie Dixon” features a string of Willie Dixon
classics that have inspired her over the years.
The album opens with ‘Spoonful’ which is a more
straightforward rock version. There is a bit more of
a funk edge to ‘Good To The Last Drop’ whilst
things slow down a little as you might expect with
‘I Can’t Quit You Baby’.