LYNWOOD SLIM& THE IGOR PRADO BAND "BRAZILAN KICKS" Source: Toledo Blade Date: 01/2011 Writer: Ken Rosenbaum

Slim has been refining his craft as a smooth jazz/blues singer, helped by his forays into the instrumental side on harmonica and flute, since the 1970s. Along the way he has turned out a half-dozen albums of his emotional, low-down songs. On his travels outside the United States, Slim often enlisted the help of new artists who could complement his work.

Now, with his seventh album, he has teamed with the Igor Prado Band, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The four guys in the Prado band have made their mark performing their traditional style of American Chicago/jump blues to steadily growing and appreciative audiences south of the border. They are a natural fit with Slim for a slightly different jazz/blues sound rooted in Americana.

For more than 53 minutes, the 13 tracks here range from sizzling, barroom anthems to shuffling, laid-back ballads. The Chicago-style blues are just a notch from early rock 'n' roll. It's a tasty, refined mix throughout.