THE MANNISH BOYS "BIG PLANS" Source: Blues Revue Magazine Date: 07/2007 Writer: Art Tipaldi

Since its 2004 launch, the Delta Groove label has set the recording standard for traditional blues with a contemporary flavor. At the label’s heart lies the time-honored blues approach of the Mannish Boys, an all-star collection of West Coast bluesmen named after the Muddy Waters anthem.

Because the Boys’ lineup constantly revolves, each song on their third album offers a surprise. You’ll hear Finis Tasby’s leathery vocals on several tracks, and you¹ll enjoy the finely aged Delta voice and harp of Johnny Dyer. Kirk Fletcher, Kid Ramos, and Frank “Paris Slim” Goldwasser provide guitar, while the piano work comes from Rob Rio and industry veteran Leon Blue. Dyed-in-the-wool blues bassists Tom Leavey, Larry Taylor, and Jeff Turmes deliver the goods time after time. Thankfully, the liner notes include a comprehensive set list, so you¹ll know exactly who’s playing on each song.

Waters’ heavy backbeat is often imitated. And throughout these 15 traditional blues tunes, it’s the rock-solid Chicago beat provided by Richard Innes that stands out. As the only musician who appears on every track, Innes’ steady bounce gives the disc a sense of continuity. But every Mannish Boys recording includes special guests, and this time we get some great ones: Jody Williams sings and plays guitar on the Chicago-styled “Groan My Blues Away” and “Young & Tender.” Rick Holmstrom backs Williams on both tunes before throwing down with Dyer, his former recording partner, on Jimmy Rogers’ “Broken Hearted Blues.” Mitch Kashmar and Delta Groove boss Randy Chortkoff each add harmonica to two cuts. 1950s Chicago vocalist Bobby Jones, whose credits include time with the Aces after Little Walter left, sings two tunes.

In a short time, the Mannish Boys have become one of the finest bands on record and in live performance. Big Plans is worth planning for.