Carl Weathersby

	Carl Weathersby

Carl Weathersby

Born in Jackson, Mississippi Feb. 24 1953, Weathersby played guitar as a youth, obviously inspired by soul blues titan Albert King but didn't become a professional muscian until his late 20s. Weathersby worked in a steel mill, as a police officer and as a prison guard. He also spent time in Vietnam serving in the Army from 1971 to 1977. Weathersby's father was friends with Albert King and Carl was hired by Albert as a part time rhythm guitarist for in 1979, 1980 and 1982. He then started a 14 year tenure with Billy Branch's Sons Of The Blues before being signed by Evidence Records for four discs. Weathersby's first album, "Don't Lay Your Blues On Me" was a hit with the critics and "Blues Follow me Around" from his second album was nominated for blues song of the year at the annual WC Handy Awards. Weathersby was also nominated for Best New Blues Artist.

Album Discography

"Don't Lay Your Blues On Me" (Evidence 1996)

"Looking Out My Window" (Evidence 1997)

"Restless Feeling" (Evidence 1998)

"Come To Papa" (Evidence 2000)

"The Best Of Carl Weathersby" (Evidence 2003)

"In The House: Live At Lucerne Vol. 5" (Crosscut 2004)

"Hold On" (Louisiana Red Hot 2005)

*** It had been five years since Carl's last disc (the great soulful blues CD "Come To Papa" on Evidence Records) and I was starting to wonder what was up with him. Then last year he nearly stole the show from Charles Wilson with his guitar virtuosity on Wilson's Delmark release "If Heartaches Were Nickels". Well, now Carl says "I'm Back Again" on the opener for the TC Davis and Richard Waters-produced "Hold On". It's a vintage phat Albert King-like shuffle blues iwth sharp, muscular axework by Weathersby. Up next is the New Orleans-flavored groover "Leave Me Alone", one of two excellent songs from fellow bluesman Burton Gaar. The cut features some greasy organ courtesy of Johnny Neel. Even better is Gaar's second contribution, the slow, soul ballad "Willingly". Weathersby had recorded the John Hiatt composition, "Feels Like Rain", before but this time he really makes it his own his own- and that's high praise considering Buddy Guy also did a fine version of this tune. Weathersby himself provided the Southern Soul/blues gems "Hold On", "My Baby" and the loose instrumental "Freedom". Welcome back Carl.