FRANK GOLDWASSER "BLUJU" Source: Music City Blues Date: 07/2007 Writer: Don Crow

Frank "Paris Slim" Goldwasser has been a fixture on the WEst Coast blues scene for a number of years, often appearing as guest guitarist for The Mannish Boys on their recent releases.  He's just released a fine solo project, "Bluju," for Delta Groove Productions, and it's a deeply-respectful foray into the traditions of the blues.

Frank, indeed born in Paris, France, in 1960, got his first exposure to the blues via recordings of Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers' "Natural Boogie."  He moved to the Bay Area in 1982, backing such luminaries as Lowell Fulsom and Sonny Rhodes.  On "Bluju," he pays tribute to those from whom he has learned over the last 25 years or so. 

On the title track, Frank trades licks with fellow West Coast-er Alex Schultz.  Then, labelmate Phillip Walker guests on one of his own signature instrumentals from the Fifties, "Playing In The Park."  Frank's vocals take center stage in the slow-and-bluesy "all I want is your Back Door Key."  Just be careful and don't let that "Twelve Year Old Boy" anywhere near your lady!!  Frank plays some great delta-tinged slide on "Homesick Blues," while "Don't Take Away My Love" has an Eastern, world-music vibe to it. 

We had two favorites, too.  J. J. Malone's piano accompanies Frank's guitar on a spoken-word tribute to one of Frank's Bay Area haunts, the "Three Sisters" club.  And, a primal scream kicks off his instrumental tribute to Hound Dog Taylor in "55TH Street Boogie."