2015 – Down in the Alley
Records
By Phillip Smith; Feb 26, 2016
Modern blues compilation
albums don’t get much better than The
Blues Had a Baby. This outstanding tribute
to Muddy Waters is the brainchild of
co-producers Mike Suttles and “Screamin” John Hawkins. In Suttle’s
own words, “The Muddy Water project is my attempt to keep the blues alive
by introducing it to a wider group of music lovers”. After enlisting a dozen of the finest
musicians in Louisville, Kentucky, each was asked to record a song.
From Daniel “Buttermilk” Jackson’s blood-curling screams, to Bryce Gills’ smokin’ hot guitar and Brandon Roush’s outstanding harp
playing, the Tunesmiths ripping
cover of “Mannish Boy” is a fantastic listen. With authenticity, Tyrone Cotton dishes out a splendid rendition of “Can’t Be
Satisfied” on slide. Laurie Jane and the 45’s create a
swampy Credence Clearwater Revival
atmosphere to “You Need Love”. Laurie Jane Jessup’s vocals are sweet
and sexy, while Cort Duggins tears
it up on slide guitar. This is a favorite indeed. Latin-Folk band Appalatin beautifully takes “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” to a whole new level. Lead guitarist and vocalist Yani Vozos gives a captivating
performance to say the least, and I definitely want to explore this band’s
music further. The Ass Haulers bring a briefcase full of lightning to their barn-burning
cover of “Trouble No More”. Steven Clark enters full beast mode vocally
as Screamin’ John Hawkins masterfully
shreds guitar and Rick Cain kills on
harmonica. This is the Blues baby, and I
love it!
