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a good but, as it is for many of us, a pretty mundane life. Whereas, the comfortably rocking
saxophone and guitar led, ‘Nurse With A Purse’, points out, that some men are somewhat less
than grateful and loving to women.

Very enjoyable!

Brian Harman

Malaya Blue—Blue Credentials—Blue Heart Records BHR032

This is the third album release from Norwich, England based
Malaya, It, contains twelve new numbers. Which were recorded
live at The Ashwood Studios, in Norwich. Joining Malaya, who
provides lead vocals, in the studio are, Brett Lucas; Lead, acoustic
and Dobro guitars, Richard Cousins; bass guitar, John McCullough;
Hammond organ and keyboards, Sam Kelly; drums and percussion,
with Chris Rand, providing tenor and baritone saxophones. The
late great Dennis Walker, (who died, aged 79 in May 2022) was,
right up to his passing, a great supporter of Malaya. He wrote one
of the numbers here and co-wrote six others with Malaya and the
band. One point of interest is the fact that Malaya is the only UK
based artist that Dennis has ever worked with.

‘Your Act Has Worn Thin’, is the swampy, opener, which possesses a delightfully enticing,
prowling and throbbing bass, which is entwined with a low level scorching, seething guitar upon
which Malaya’s sensuously aching vocal singes ones ears. A lively, funk-filled guitar introduces
‘Wrong Kinda Love’ that rides on a burning, popping organ. The smoky, urging vocals are
punctuated with very satisfying rock fills.

A change of pace is delightfully delivered with the slow emotion filled, ballad ‘The Time We Had’.
Here a piano, gently rolls over a subtly singing organ and percussion foundation; Malaya’s
confidently arresting vocal, is very reminiscent of ‘Soul Queen’, by Irma Thomas. A very, dark
place is visited on ‘Howlin’ Mercy’; a lonely acoustic guitar, accompanies a softly, vulnerable and
fragile vocal that recounts tales of child abuse in a world in which no one listens. As the fear
hastens, an ominously increasing drum, rolls on in the background.

More cheerful is ‘Bring Me Your Sin’. This is a guitar driven rocking/boogieing tale of sinful desire,
want and need. The power of the vocal definitely convinces you of it. ‘Set Me Free’, is simply, a
rock tinged, power tale of the desire to be free of a loveless situation. While ‘Messin’ Around’, is
a gently swinging tune about the fun of being silly and foolish.

Thoughtful and compelling!

Brian Harman

Philipp Fankhauser—Heebie Jeebies (The Early Songs of
Johnnie Copeland)—Funk House Blues Productions
FHB101518

Swiss born bluesman, Philipp has been playing the blues for over
thirty five years now. In that time he has garnered a much
deserved international reputation as a stalwart bluesman. He has
now released this, his seventeenth album, which is dedicated to
the memory of Texas guitarist Johnny Copeland, who was in fact,
his mentor during the nineties. The thirteen numbers on the
album, have all been previously recorded by Johnny himself.