Rating System...

***** Classic, Essential Purchase

**** Very Good. Majority of songs above average

*** Good. Solid disc with little filler

** Mediocre. A few above average cuts- mostly filler

* Avoid it.

Reviews added throughout the month so check often

NEWEST REVIEWS LISTED FIRST

Sir Charles Jones "My Story"  (Mardi Gras) LISTEN

*** It came as a surprise to see Jones back on Mardi Gras Records, where he made his fame and fortune. As many of you know his "Love Machine" album broke the glass ceiling for the Southern Soul world, reportedly selling in the six digits.  Oddly the set opens with a sweet, sentimental slowie, "Happy Anniversary", which is interchangeable with a dozen similar Jones joints. Another nice ballad but strange choice for a lead-off cut.

Track 2, "Pop That Coochie", though lyrical tired, has hit written all over it. One of those steady body wigglers that he's so good at. Frustratingly, the album shifts gears again into sleepy mode with the Gamble/Huff cover "You're My Latest, My Greatest". Who's responsible with the hamfisted track order? Okay, anyway,  it's back on your feet for the first hit "I Came To Party". Hitsville. I especially dig his vocal phrasing on this one.

Up next is a fresh wildcard- the bluesy n' jazzy title cut that gives Jones a chance to break out of his usual mold. Nevertheless, that mold has worked well for him and later the sexy "I Wanna Make Love" and the Lakeisha duet " I Tried" deliver more of what his fans love him for. Sexy, silky soul. Perhaps though they would rather not indulge him letting his daughter sing on the closer ("You Are The Sunshine"). "My Story" won't sweat his brilliant, classic disc "Love Machine", but it's pleasant enough.  In fairness when you've hit the highs Sir Charles Jones has- like the Michael Jackson of Southern Soul- we judge the work more harshly. This is a good CD. It's not another "Thriller", but maybe it's his "Dangerous".

Archie Love "Love Chronicles" (JEA/Loveland)
Sweet Angel "Handle Your Business" (Ecko Records)
Chick Willis "The Don Of The Blues" (CDS Records)
Sheba Potts-Wright "I'm A Bluesman's Daughter" (Ecko)

Reviews by Steven Alvarez

LISTEN Archie Love "Love Chronicles" (**** 1/2)  In a word or two if you like J. Blackfoot you'll like raspy-toned Archie Love. Besides the vocal similarities the songs and tracks have the same clean and commercial sheen as Blackfoot's recent output. Love's a triple threat- singer, writer and producer and this is his best yet, establishing beyond a doubt he's a top Soul artist in the this genre. As regards "Love Chronicles"  I doubted any track could match his magnificent "Should've Been There For You" (from his previous LP "Sincerely Yours") but this set is more consistent than the previous. The luscious ballads "Love is A Wonderful Thing", "Before A Judge" & "Standing On The Edge" are up there (way up there...okay more, WAY).

He's already made Bigg Robb's "Tune Up" the hit it should've been. Other upbeat radio and/or club extracts might be "Help Me Get That Woman" (with J. Blackfoot & Omar Cunningham), "You're My Joy" (purely Al Green-inspired) & the okay bump "I Take It Back" but those ballads are the stuff! This is easily one of the best sets the Modern Soul/Southern Soul/Soul Blues genre has to offer for the '08. More records like this, the new Omar Cunningham, Kenne' Wayne, Stan Mosley and such and this music might get to that "next level" so many of us crow about.

LISTEN Sweet Angel "Handle Your Business" (***). Memphis, Tennessee's erstwhile Ecko Records has a penchant for breaking (and maintaining) female Soul Blues stars whether established ladies like Barbara Carr or Denise LaSalle to new Chitlin' Circuit stars like Ms. Jody and Sheba Potts-Wright. Looks like they hope to repeat that success with the sexy Sweet Angel. Ms. Angel already had a notable track or two out there from her first LP ("Another Man' Meat On My Plate") but with mighty Ecko behind her she just might break on through to the other side.

The 11-track album starts off with the generic "I'm Leaving", which cries out "formulaic filler". That irritating "wucka wucka" percussion effect rears it's ignoble head again. Same problem on "Rock Me" & "It's Weekend". (That programming sound is dated and should have been put to rest after Renea Mitchell's hit "The Road Of Love" CD, coincidently recorded at Ecko South studio).

But that is quickly forgotten when  track 2 "Guilty As Charged" takes over, a fine midpaced head bobber. John Ward and Raymond Moore wrote this one, "You Gotta Make Love" and "I'm Sharing Your Man". The best track, however, comes from Mac Dobbins in the form of the romantic slowie "I Love My Man". (Footnote: Before signing with Ecko the first, independently-released version of this disc had four tracks not found here: "Women's National Anthem", "Angel Sings The Blues", "No Boundaries" and "Merry Christmas Baby". These were dropped in place of "Guilty As Charged", "I'm Sharing Your Man" & "Back It Up And Slow Roll It").

See, Chick really doesn't need "nasty Chick" to make his mark though it served him well.  His debut for CDS Records is his most serviceable batch of tunes in quite some time. Nearly all originals it contains "serious" mainstream Blues cuts ("Trouble Tree", "Last Time", "I had The Blues Two Times", "Don't Start Me To Talking"), "party" blues cuts ("Juke Joint", "Big Leg Woman") and a few clever Chitlin' Circuit numbers for good measure. The first single "Bootie Call" is classic Chick, funky Blues with funny lyrics but just too good and tuneful to be a joke. He betters this track with the horn-layered dancer "Undercover Hootchie" that I'm sure Bobby Rush will soon copy (ever the ingenious cherrypicker that he is). "Hootchie" has a 1960s Ray Charles Big Band coating over a electro-funk center, well produced by Marlon Hunter. Could this be a long deserved hit for the Don? Perhaps. "Your Cat Is Killing My Dog" is a humorous wordplay using our favorite pets as a metaphor. Sadly, the production is subpar here and a few other places on the disc. A shame because the songs are some of Chick's best.

Right now the topical Barack Obama tribute song "Obama" is becoming all the rage. I don't care what political affiliation you may have this effortless dose of Urban Blues is pure gold (especially for that cool keyboard-induced chord change near the end). Perhaps intentional but the song initially keeps you guessing whether he's for or against the presidential hopeful when he sings "Tell me why you like Obama? When he ain't no kin". Well it may or not be time for Obama but it sure feels like time to finally elect Chick Willis into the blues elite.

LISTEN Sheba Potts-Wright "I'm A Bluesman's Daughter" (****) To those in the know the title of Sheba's new disc ("I'm A Bluesman's Daughter") is a reference to Memphis blues man (and himself a former Ecko artist) Dr. Feelgood Potts, father to the Southern Soul chanteuse Sheba. Now, Sheba may be blues pedigree but she's better known for her sassy and sexy shuffle-bumpers like "I Need A Cowboy To Ride My Pony", "Cruise Control" and "I Can Hear Your Macaroni". Her last radio success (from the "Big Hand Man" CD) was, however, a pure downhome blues number ("Private Fishing Hole"). "Daughter" opens with two rather bluesy cuts ("You've Been Sleeping On The Job", title cut) but she hasn't gone to 12-bar land by any means.

Track 3 is a splendid ballad called "Why Am I Still Lonely", featuring a superb arrangement of synth strings, organ,  electric piano and bass guitar. This ranks up there with Denise LaSalle's output for the label. As good as it it is, however, I can't help wishing the label had given the song to a more capable singer like Barbara Carr. That's not a dis of Sheba that's just reality. Still, a great track.

The quality holds up throughout (the "party blues dancer" "Where's The Party At?", & rote "Mississippi Man" are cookie-cutter songs for the label).  It's obvious more time was spent on songwriting with the label's big pens John Ward, Raymond Moore and Gerald Rayborn collaborating on all the material. Again, for those in the know, Moore and Ward (also Earl Randle) were responsible for most of the classic Ecko era (1995-1999).  This may be her best collection in her still new career.

Wilson Meadows "Transformation"  (M & M) LISTEN

*** The current radio single from Wilson Meadows' new CD, "It is What It Is", is a so-so hit for the man and I figured the rest of the LP must not be much better.  Well, it actually is considerably better.  I don't rank Meadows very highly as a songwriter and some of the songs here leave me with the usual "close-but-no-cigar" feeling I get with most of his cds.  But after repeated listens I really got into this one. He has a unique, lovely voice and could make a great record with the right material.

"I'm Missing" you is a decent ballad supported by a synth harmonica but some lame programmed drums. Light years from his superior "When You Really Love Someone" from the past. He slows it down again on the snail-paced "Hold On", "Don't Take It Away" and a cover of "Misty Blue". Like his likable take on the 5 Royales' "Dedicated To The One" on his last disc, "Misty Blue" is a keeper. The man needs to do an all-covers project of classic ballads. That would be the ticket.

"Transformation" has it's moments. The bump "I Wanna Get Wicha Baby" is a catchy ditty. Also, Meadows hasn't gone bluesy very often but his lightly funky blues on "Bad News" is a fresh side of him, built around a thick bassline and electric piano. "I Can't Understand It" has a nice loose, funky groove to it and "If You Can't Hold Your Love" (simply titled "Hold Your Love") is okay, though it's repeated here from an older set. So with an intro and this repeat track you only get eight new songs from Meadows this time out. Though not spectacular the variety here makes this one of the more interesting albums in his canon.

Reggie P "Your Love Is A Bad Habit" (Rude Boy)
Jeff Floyd "Keepin' It Real" (Wilbe)
Bobbye Johnson "Rocking This Boat" (Brimstone)
Mr X "Sit Down On It" (Hep' Me)

LISTEN Reggie P "Your Love Is A Bad Habit" (*** 1/2) P's last full length, "Why Me?", is still selling well after 2 1/2 years- especially in his habitat Louisiana. Without much hype or promotion P has managed to climb up the southern soul mountain via a couple regional hits and word-of-mouth about his soulful vocals. Album number 4 "Your Love Is A Bad Habit" may only have seven actual songs (plus 1 remix and a glorified intro, "Witness") but most deliver, staring with the buoyant "I've Got That Feeling";  a serious nod to Sir Charles Jones and a surefire hit. Better though is the bluesy title cut, an emotional ballad with an impassioned vocal. The cut appears in two versions- one without a rhythm section and one with. Perhaps the former packs a harder punch. Pure Bobby "Blue" Bland if you ask me. The downhome Blues "Motel 2" meanwhile tips it's hat to ZZ Hill

The cat can sing a soulful ballad too evidenced by the Lenny Williams-like slowies "No More Tears" and "Unforgettable Dreams". The former has a particular strong refrain. Here's to hoping for more songs and a full band behind next time. P's one to watch in Southern Soul Blues.

LISTEN Jeff Floyd "Keepin' It Real" (** 1/2) It seemed like a long wait between albums (only 2 1/2 years) but the "Powerhouse" is back with his third set for William Bell's Wilbe records. Once again the production and sound is Top shelf for the Southern Soul Blues genre with Bell, Floyd and trusty Reginald "Wizard" Jones to credit. Bell & Floyd penned nine originals together while Floyd provided three by his lonesome. The first single, "Lock My Door", is a graduate of Tyrone Davis/Dakar college and already garnering maximum airplay.

It's immediately followed up by two duds, a generic dancer "Shake Somthin' Loose" and the tedious "That Body", which fails both lyrically and melodically. The epitome of filler. The album is nearly rescued by the slinky slowie "A Woman's Worth", featuring Bell himself (the real King Of Southern Soul) as co-lead. Still it meanders with too few changes for six and a half minutes. Overall a letdown so if you're keeping a report card that's two B's and two D's and there's eight more to go. Preview: there's no A's and plenty of C's that follow. Track 5 "Do You Wanna" is mediocre, "Hand On It" is daft.

The album sports nearly the same mid-paced, innocuous groove throughout, light jangly guitar, genteel keyboard fills and mannered percussion; rarely creating any excitement. The lone exception may be the funky "Rump Bump" that would've fit snugly on labelmate Fred Bolton's strong Wilbe debut. "Rump bump bump bump bump!" Now that's a hook and a bright spot on an otherwise lukewarm LP. Lots of safe Soul but just nothing special this time out.

LISTEN Bobbye Johnson "Rocking This Boat" (**) Though the title track, already a minor chitlin' circuit hit, sounds identical to other Southern Soul songs by ladies, like Roni, Monique Ford, what-have-you, Johnson's music is more in the 80s Urban Contemporary style. She possesses a clean,  yet colorless voice that needs strong backing for compensation.

But there isn't much here. Pedestrian rhythm tracks like "Step Baby Step", "Watch Your Step" "Let The Door Knob Hit You" all lack bottom. Meanwhile the Toni Basil rip "You're So Fine" is plain ridiculous. The slow jams ("All I Need is You", "Cheat On You") are slightly better but it's glaringly obvious that the title track- and the midpaced "Saving My Love",  are the only reasons to own the album.

LISTEN Mr X "Sit Down On It" (**) Well we know know who the Mystery Man is ( Jimmie Warren) but now we have Mr X to wonder about. Though I doubt anyone will lose sleep trying to discern whose non-descript vocals these are.

The title track was already a small hit for Willis Pugh for the Hep' Me label but here it is again. In fact the majority of the "songs" found on this set have appeared on other releases for the label. They're the same backing tracks with a different vocalist. Those who purchased the Love Doctor's "At His Best" can own it once again only with Mr X singing it. That (Love Doctor) was a pretty decent album so this one is like a lesser version with bonus tracks in a sense.  Hey at least you can eliminate the Love Doctor from the list of suspects for the identity of Mr X.

Watermelon Slim & The Workers "No Paid Holidays" (Northern Blues)
Robin Rogers "Hold That Train" (Blind Pig)
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith "Born In Arkansas" (Big Eye)
Byther Smith "Blues On The Moon: Live At National Rhythm Social Club" (Delmark)
Eden Brent "Mississippi Number One" (Yellow Dog)

LISTEN Watermelon Slim & The Workers "No Paid Holidays" (*** 1/2). Slim and his coworkers strike while the iron is hot with his third album in three years for Northern Blues. Being that he's been a critic's darling and a strong record seller (Slim's previous two discs each scanned over 10,000 units) a bit of a backlash should be expected. That may seem to portend a negative review here but it won't since, although not as fresh and exciting as before, "No Paid Holidays" is another exceptional set.

"Blues For Howard" & "Archetypical Blues No. 2" kick off this 14-song disc with some of that ragged Blues/Rock Slim his known for. Then after a pedestrian cover (Albert King's "Call My Job") comes the poignant slow slider "Dad In The Distance". Slim actually sympathizes with his aloof pappy: "You're not here now/I can't hear your voice/You had to move on/You had no choice" and "I'm doing my best like a good old horsey/Just trying to keep my rider ahead of the posse/Running my life out so you can be proud of me/Dad in the distance".

Speaking of lyrics, the acoustic tale "Max The Baseball Clown" is an apparently autobiographical piece about one "Max Patkin" who would make slim "giggle to my side would split in half everytime he came around". Nowadays he's wondering if "he's alive or dead?" (sadly, it's the latter). From that bit of brevity Slim jumps immediately into serious mode on "The Bloody Burmese Blues", a muscular midtempo Blues with chanka-lankin guitar and a fat bassline. When Slim carves out his solo I knew I'd found my all time favorite Watermelon & The Workers track.

LISTEN Robin Rogers "Hold That Train" (*** 1/2) Rogers' bio no doubt gives her mighty street credibility, having definitely lived a Bluesperson's life! A runway teen, often homeless in the 60s,  placed in reform school before the age of fifteen. After being released she went right back to her wayfaring ways while adding drug and alcohol addiction to her repertoire until "music saved her life". Sound like a Hollywood script?

Rogers paid her dues musically in the 80s, gigging at coffeehouses, street corners and such before moving to North Carolina in 1990 where she met her husband Tony Rogers. The couple were performing as a twosome which eventually evolved into a full band. Prior to this Blind Pig debut she had two full lengths (currently obscure) to her name. And here's the happy ending: This mostly-original set will immediately put her in the "bigs" with other female belters like Susan Tedeschi and Janiva Magness.

Produced by drummer Jim Brock Rogers sings with that Gospel-styled soul on various Jazzy Blues templates from B.B. King's "Treat Me Right", to the Van Morrison/Moondance-like "Drunkard's Alley" to the religiously-themed "Promised Land".

LISTEN Willie "Big Eyes" Smith "Born In Arkansas" (*** 1/2) Just like you'd expect and want Smith serves up a rock solid album's worth of mean Chicago Blues. Featuring ace sessionmen like Bob Stroger, Barrelhouse Chuck and Billy Flynn runs through some of Smith's familiar originals like the great "Money Talk" & "Sittin' Here Drinkin'", a couple updates ("I'm The Creeper", "Can't Rest For Worry") and new additions to his canon ("Overcoat Mama", When I Left", title track).

The sound is lean and the rhythm perfectly executed. Smith, with his all-star resume' of guest appearances and history (this was Muddy Waters' drummer afterall and he grew up as neighbor tot he likes of Robert Nighthawk and Pinetop Perkins), may have not gotten his due as a band leader but this, along with 2006's "Way Back" on Hightone, have changed that. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better new n' pure Chicago Blues album this year.

LISTEN Byther Smith "Blues On The Moon: Live At National Rhythm Social Club" (***). Another live CD and/or DVD release from the Chicago Blues label Delmark. Smith has three studio LPs on the label and this 11-track date covers a few tracks from 1996's "Mississippi Kid" ("Judge Your Honor", "Monticello", "Blues On The Moon"), none from 1997's "All Night Long" and only 1 from 2004's "Hold That Train" (the Oliver Sain cover "So Mean To Me") so the majority of cuts add to Smith's Delmark titles. The originals "Give Up My Life For You", "Hard Times", "Your Mama's Crazy", "If I Misused Someone" and two hoary covers ("Rock Me Baby", "Don't Start Me Talkin'") round a decent set. As none of the recorded performances are earth shaking (Smith's always forceful as it is) the DVD version is naturally preferable.

LISTEN Eden Brent "Mississippi Number One" (*** 1/2) The last time I received something from yellow Dog Records it was the terrific American debut of another female blues dynamo Fiona Boyes and this Eden Brent gal is just as good. There's plenty of top notch women Blues guitarists so a frontwoman singer/pianist is a road less traveled (not that this should matter). "Mississippi Number One" is an eclectic goulash of Mississippi styles with a heavy emphasis of Jazz.

The title track honors the famous highway Mississippi 1, a mostly two lane road that cuts through Greenville. Brent romances it like it was "Highway 61", adding claims of journeying Bluesers losing their lives cheating along the highway. It's one of three tunes penned by Brent's late mother Carole Brent, who also authored the loungey ballad "Love Me 'Til Dawn" and N'Awlins-flavored "Close The Door". Meanwhile "Mississippi Flatland Blues" is a rollicking number about he "Washington County/my factory done shut down Blues". "Flatland" is one of five Brent originals here, on an album rich with references to her habitat.

"Mississippi Number One" is a debut CD that's a lifetime in the making. Her obvious influences range from Bessie Smith, Janis Joplin to Maria Muldaur to my ears.

Copyright 2008 by Blues Critic Media unless indicated otherwise. May be used if web address www.bluescritic.com and company name are included.