Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Review: "Blues For Theresa" (Indy, 2004)



Steve Ditzell & the Blue Lightning Band have produced both a good blues cd and an important historical document in "Blues For Theresa." This Chicago blues release features some of the last sessions by the late great Junior Wells, but it is anything but a sad outing. Over the course of six covers and four Ditzell-penned originals, this band flat out cooks! Dave Kaye on bass and Marty Binder on drums play seamlessly, leaving a wide and deep pocket for the guitar and vocals of Steve Ditzell and Junior Wells on harmonica and vocals. Check out the cover of Hound Dog Taylor's "Sadie," where Ditzell & Wells share the vocals and both the guitar and the harp work sizzles. Kudos, too, for their cover of Big Mama Thornton's "Had My Fun," just exactly the kind of song I need to get me through when the winter winds blow cold! The Blue Lightning Band is nominated for a RAMI this year--they have already won two. This is fine blues. This cd should be in your collection, but if it isn't you can buy it online at http://www.bluelightningband.com

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