Charlie Musselwhite
Deluxe Edition
(Alligator ALCD 5612)
Alligator began their Deluxe Edition series as a tribute to their
long-standing artists whose longevity has prevailed the test of time. Born in Kosciusko,
Mississippi in 1944, Musselwhite grew up poor in Memphis. His first blues educators were
local stars from the '20s and '30s such as Furry Lewis. After a brush with the law at age
18, for running moonshine, he headed to Chicago in search of better employment.
While living in the South Side ghetto, Musselwhite sat in with the
greats of Chicago. He was tutored on harp by Big Walter Horton, and made his first
recordings with him. Musselwhite broke onto the national scene with his 1967 debut album,
Stand Back! He ended up moving to California, but has spent most of his life on tour. Over
his 40-year career, Musselwhite has recorded more than two dozen solo albums for various
labels. Only a smidgen of his much-admired musicianship is sampled from his three
Alligator albums which were recorded between 1990 and 1994. Still, you hear his Deep South
influences (especially in his traditional acoustic guitar), probing and jazz-influenced
harmonica, and overall laid-back sensibility. Each of the 12 previously released tracks,
including nine Musselwhite originals, on this 62-minute disc have been re-mastered.
Musselwhite has lived a hard-life and his melancholic voice reflects it. He is a far more
confidant with his songwriting and harp/guitar playing. Musselwhite plays his sensational
mouth organ like a freewheeling piano man barreling up and down the 88s on "River Hip
Mama". The tempo of "Mean Ole Frisco" rocks and rolls like a bone-rattling
train. Here, the guitar, bass and drums are so intertwined; they roll along oblivious to
Musselwhite. "Blues Got Me Again" relaxes as much as it provokes. As if he is in
deep conversation with his best friend, self-reflective lyrics about personal battles like
"I get to thinking about everywhere I been/blues don't care where you're going/don't
care where you been/thinking about a wasted life of women, wine and gin/looks like blues
done got me again" are delivered. The autobiographical "The Blues Overtook
Me" has an engulfing impact, musically and lyrically. Whether you are new to the
blues or a converted supporter, you'll relate to its lyrics like "blues made me
drunk". "When It Rains It Pours" is full of high ka-rumba. Here, the shrill
harp is on the verge of eardrum piercing. "Movin' And Groovin'" is a jam tune
that features drum and bass solos. On it, Musselwhite's wistful Mississippi saxophone
carries your troubles away like a brisk wind. A full and brazen brass section features on
"Mama Long Legs". On "My Road Lies In Darkness", Musselwhite gives a
hint of his bleak side which was to come out on his non-Alligator albums.
Musselwhite's treasured musicianship is equaled on many tracks. The
Blind Boys of Alabama add their unrivaled vocal harmony on "Bedside Of A
Neighbor". Andrew 'Jr. Boy' Jones masterful guitar is heard throughout while Gene
Taylor's greasy piano is stellar on "If I Should Have Bad Luck". Also included
is an unreleased track from the In My Time sessions and a rare acoustic recording of
Musselwhite accompanied by mentor Will Shade of the Memphis Jug Band. Unlike his most
recent work, the focus here is strictly on the blues.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - April 2005
Current Reviews - 2005 Reviews - available at our store
