Page 46 - BiTS_05_MAY_2022

Son House—Forever On My Mind—Easy Eye Sound

There is always a buzz around the launch of a new album of
previously unreleased recordings especially when it is by one
of the greatest bluesman of all time; Son House. These record-
ings were taken back in 1964 by bluesologist Dick Waterman
and have been cleaned up and released by Dan Auerbach (of

Black Keys Fame) for his Easy Eye Sound label.

The album opens with the title track ‘Forever On My Mind’
which has never been recorded before apparently. Wow this is
the real deal, just stripped back almost naive guitar work and
an astounding voice, this is the blues. Next up is ‘Preachin’ Blues’ which has been covered
many times but this version is still up there with the best. Next, Son House creates a snapping
rhythm on ‘Empire State Express’.

Perhaps the most famous Son House song ‘Death Letter’ makes an appearance as does the
Charley Patton classic ‘Pony Blues’. There is another gem ‘Louise McGhee’ with the line,
“...loved four women in my life my mother my sister my kid girl and my wife...” whilst the al-
bum closes with some signature resonator slide guitar on ‘Leevee Camp Moan’.

I was really impressed both by the quality and the clarity of this album so hats off to Dan Auer-
bach for a first class job. There is a more relaxed feel about this recording which perhaps
makes it different from previous recordings. This album is a must for all Son House fans and
collectors out there. If you are new to this man you may wish to start with some of the previ-

ously recorded material by way of an introduction to Eddie James House Jr known as Son
House before coming back to this album but either way there is no disguising the fact that this
is the real deal; King of the Delta blues!

Ged Wilson

Black Pearl—Black Pearl—Redline Music

Black Pearl is a brand new rock-blues project featuring Mar-
cus Malone, Muddy Manninen and Pete Feenstra. Marcus will
be familiar to the British blues circuit for his powerful festival
performances and Muddy has the credentials as a former
member of Wishbone Ash. Our very own top British blues
DJ/promoter Pete also contributes as a songwriter.

The album opens with ‘Angel Town’ a solid guitar based rock
blues followed by ‘Cheap Perfume’ which has more of the
same. ‘Delivery Man’ with its Wah and slide infused Ameri-
cana has shades of Little Feat about it. ‘Handmade Pearl’ has a more laid back groove whilst
‘Luxury Girl’ at times had a vocal delivery that reminded me of David Bowie.

There is a great funky vibe to ‘Mexican Romance’ and ‘Natural Light’ is a real powerhouse
blues rocker. The album closes with ‘She Knows Every Move’ which has a great

percussive groove throughout.