THE MANNISH BOYS "BIG PLANS" Source: Big City Blues Magazine Date: 06/2007 Writer: Dick Wissbaum

I have absolutely not, in a long time heard anything so finely detailed, yet sewn so rough-cut as the Mannish Boys’ third project on Delta Groove. The wailing, gut wrenching blues on “Big Plans” make it one of the hottest blues recordings on the market today. The sheer talent compiled in this band is unmatched. Not only from the guitar cry of Kid Ramos and Kirk “Eli” Fletcher, but also from the harmonica work of producer Randy Chortkoff and vocalist Johnny Dyer. The incredible vocal presence of Finis Tasby is heard on five of the 15 tracks here, including the opener “ Border Town Blues,” and the slow, moody “ I Get So Worried,” with its slight echo of reverb.
           
Other members step up to microphone. Johnny Dyer emanates Muddy Waters on the old Chess classic “Just To be With You,” while also laying out the Little Walter licks on harp to great success. Dyer also delivers a fantastic vocal on “Broken Hearted Blues.” Mannish veteran Frank “Paris Slim” Goldwasser sings his own “I Can’t Stay Here,” also playing remarkable slide guitar. Pianist Leon Blue sings alongside Slim’s slide on “Gotta Move.” The band drives the perpetual blues beat while Chortkoff delivers a bona fide harmonica riff on “Mary Jane,” a Tom Leavey number. Leavey also plays the bass on several tracks and Richard “Big Foot” Innes plays drums on all. This makes up the superb lineup of Mannish Boy performers.

Now for the fun part. The special guest brought in for this project build up the steam in the blues boiler room. The legendary Jody Williams plays lead and sings with unprecedented experience on “Groan My Blues Away,” which is a reprise of sorts from as far back as 1955, his first recording session as band leader. He also renders his blue vocals on the deep rooted number “Young and Tender.”

The precision of Mitch Kahmar’s harmonica radiates within both “Broken Hearted Blues,” where bandmates toss in little spontaneous piano tinkles and guitar patterns. Bobby Jones sings on that one as well. Bobby has legendary status as the vocalist for the Aces with Dave and Louis Myers. He was active in the late 1950’s blues scene in Chicago, then pretty much lay low for several decades. Now rediscovering, he’s beginning a new career in the blues.
           
            West Coast pianist Rob Rio sings the dark, brooding “Carpet Bagger Blues,” with its quiet drum fill and a suspicious melody with low down lyrics, all seemingly surrounded by one chord. Several other guests are here also, but there is just too much happening on this CD to discuss in one simple review. You need to get this one and listen for yourself. The energy, excitement and experience on this recording give it a completely live and expandable atmosphere that every blues lover has been looking for.