Hundred-word Reviews for August 2024: Blues

Busy, busy, busy. It’s been a long while – fifteen months, in fact! – since I ran a clutch of my boiled-down, hundred-word album reviews. So here’s some, with more to come. This first bunch focuses on blues releases.

Bobby Christina’s Caravan – True Blues Brother
Memphis-based Matt “Guitar” Murphy was a giant of the blues. His tuneful and accessible style adorned some of the finest work of a wide variety of artists, from Howlin’ Wolf to Chuck Berry to Buddy Guy. A few years before his 2018 passing, Murphy was indicted into the Blues Hall of Fame. This 2CD set is a tribute to him, spearheaded by his longtime friend and musical associate Growing out of unfinished sessions with Murphy, this set of two dozen songs could easily serve as an introduction to his artistry and a belated, heartfelt sendoff to one of the greats.

Jubu Smith – Jubu
If the name Jubu Smith rings a bell, it’s because you know him for his decade-long tenure as guitarist for Tony Toni Toné. In fact, his résumé includes work with many other major names in pop, jazz, r&b and soul. For his latest venture, he’s teamed up with another powerhouse guitarist, Charlie Hunter. The deep-groove fireworks fly on Jubu, with displays of Smith’s stylistic breadth splashed all over the album’s ten tracks. The two engage in flights of inspiration while drummer Calvin Napper provides sympathetic support. This instrumental set’s a delight, shot through with passion and finesse in equal measure.

Kid & Lisa Andersen – Spirits and Soul
Kid Andersen’s a busy guy. In addition to running his own acclaimed studio and playing in any number of projects (see below), he’s found the time to cut an album under his own name. In fact it’s a double (perhaps better characterized as a paired) album with his talented spouse. Ms. Andersen has appeared on many of hubby’s projects as a support vocalist; here she steps out as a commanding front person. As fine as Kid’s disc is – heartfelt and always compelling – Lisa’s set of 13 songs is a varied and delightful showcase for her sultry and assured vocal work.

Rick Estrin and the Nightcats – The Hits Keep Coming
Distinctive San Francisco singer and harp player Rick Estrin cam to fame in the ‘70s with Little Charlie & the Nightcats, playing its own brand of jazz swing revival and blues. When co-leader Little Charlie Baty went into semi-retirement, Estrin continued leading the slightly renamed group. He added Kid Andersen on guitar, and in the fifteen or so years since has continued the great work of the group. As the album’s title advertises, their latest is more of the top-notch groove that’s Estrin’s trademark. This is fun, timeless music, played with spirit, style and a delightfully strong sense of humor.

Toronzo Cannon – Shut Up & Play!
Left-handed electric Chicago blues guitarist (and CTA bus driver) Toronzo Cannon released his debut album in 2007, and has been an Alligator artist since 2015. This fiery album is steeped in the blues, with plenty of rock energy and attitude. But don’t be misled by the album title: it’s not an instrumental record. And that’s just as well, because Cannon’s powerful voice is a fine match for his searing and assertive lea guitar work. His band is superb as well: active bass lines, tasty piano licks and rock-solid drumming. Topical lyrics ground Shut Up and Play! in the here-and now.

More to come.