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Preachin’ The Blues Vol. 1-Izzy and Chris 80/20 records 2009 Izzy and Chris are likely to assume the mantle of such acoustic duo masters ad Cephas and Wiggins and Little Toby Walker and the Rocket. They weave around each other as if controlled by one brain. The guitar and harp provide contrapuntal interplay of artistic and virtuosic musical threads. The men who hail from WV and Western PA keep the spirit of Piedmont blues vital and creative. They take current issues which seem the same as back when and make fine music about being flat broke and busted, livin’ in the country, substances with mind altering properties and the many sides of losing, getting, getting rid of or finding love. This is a fine, fine disk of country picking and warbling harp and well written, witty and earthy lyrics that keep a musical life alive. 8.5 snaves Rocket 88 a tribute to Ike Turner-Mr. Groove Band Zoho roots ZM 200908 2009 Nashville cats, the Mr. Groove Band is paying tribute to arguably the first rock artist, Ike Turner. Opening with the Brenston/Turner classic “Rocket 88”, a voyage through Turner’s work is undertaken with an emphasis on the 60s and 70s material. It is presented chronologically including Ike’s writings, Ike and Tina songs and later stuff up to and including “Prancing” which is off Ike’s Grammy winning 2007 release Risin’ With The Blues . Lending their chords are powerful vocal guest spots from former and first white member of the band Bonnie Bramlett and wife Audrey Turner. Mr. Groove band member Darryl Johnson carries the vocals on most of the disk and the band reaches deep and blue with Roddy Smith’s guitar and key mastery via Steve Willetts. Horn blasts are courtesy of the Groovehouse horns and this is one very serious platter of in the pocket power like “Funky Mule” or “Bold Soul Sister.” Audrey Turner is eerily like Tina on “River Deep, Mountain High.” The non-stop frenetic energy of Sly Stone’s “I Wanna Take You Higher” is fed into the liquidly flowing “Proud Mary” and a jagged soul blast of the Beatles’ “Come Together” through the sheer boogie of “Prancing.” The platter will dance and drive your soul through Ike’s proud 56 year career which unfortunately ended in 2007. 7 snaves Missy Andersen Main Squeeze MS1201 2009 Missy Andersen sings the blues. Born in Detroit but nurtured in Queens she’s now a big part of the San Diego blues scene. Originally stung by the blues bug under her Mom’s tutelage via lessons and a large record collection, Missy was started early on this road. Fast forward to the late 90s and Missy met Earl Thomas. she backed him in the Juke Joint Jezebelles and she later fronted Tell Mama and is now doing it all herself. Missy has a warm, organic vocal which is as at home singing Delta acoustic as she is with full bore soul shouting. Her phrasing and dynamics are on the money and her selection of material is excellent too. Her timbre is rich and melodic. Andersen does sweet covers of “I Can’t Stand the Rain” by Ann Peebles and later appeared on Tina Turner’s Private Dancer CD. Also covered is a fine version of Jr. Wells’ “Little By Little.” Missy turns a phrase nicely by herself, as well. She’s keeping it real and string and preserving the blues for the future generations. 8 snaves
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