THE MANNISH BOYS "BIG PLANS" Source: Long Island Blues Society Date: 08/2007 Writer: n/a

In the same fashion that Alligator was founded by Bruce Iglauer to record Hound Dog Taylor, Delta Groove was originated by Randy Chortkoff to capture the Mannish Boys on tape.  This CD is their 3rd and is their best.  It wallows like a hog in mud, their mud being Chicago and Texas style blues.  Following their usual pattern, there is a revolving door bringing in a bunch of guests using many different tools.  Axework flows from the able digits of Frank Goldwasser, Kid Ramos and Kirk Fletcher, whose admirable techniques are augmented by Rick Holmstrom.  Rob Rio and Leon Blue share piano, harp burns from Chortkoff and Mitch Krashmar, Big Foot Innes anchors the kit and bottom throbs out of Larry Taylor, Jeff Turmes and Tom Leavey.  Backing the Mid meets Coast (West, that is) are special guests Jody Williams, Johnny Dyer and Bobby Jones who've been reinvigorated and rediscovered by the loving embrace of the Mannish Boys.  Together, the vocals sound like the heyday with the local accents of the Coast, Texas and Chi-town shining brightly in a group of fine originals and honest covers.  Covers of Otis Rush, T-bone Walker and Long John Hunter mix with pieces by Finis Tasby, Jody Williams, Randy Chortkoff and Rob Rios.  Each one rocks the Casbah with real, deep down righteous electric blues that has a classic 50s feel.  The Mannish Boys deliver in a way that Muddy would've dug.  8 snaves