THE MANNISH BOYS "BIG PLANS" Source: New York Blues & Jazz Society Date: 08/2007 Writer: Richard Ludmerer

If “Roomful of Blues” were formed to be a T-Bone Walker tribute band, then “The Mannish Boys” were formed to be a Muddy Waters tribute band. The “Mannish Boys” however, were already veterans of the west coast blues music scene when they decided to band together. Their name is identifiable with Muddy Waters, father to the Chicago Blues sounds that they recreate. They are a band but also a revue, featuring constantly changing leaders and vocalists. On this their third album the band consists of guitarists Kid Ramos, Kirk Flecther, and Frank Goldwasser; vocalist Finis Tasby; vocalist/harpists Johnny Dyer and Randy Cortkoff; vocalist/pianist Leon Blue and the rhythm section of Tom Leavey, bass and Richard Innes, drums. The combinations are endless. Add guest vocalists Bobby Jones and the legendary Jody Williams along with other guests and what you have is sensational.

Every time I listen to this recording I discover another track I just didn’t hear close enough the last time I listened.  This album has the substance, relevance and depth to merit our taking our time because as a collective unit this is heads above the rest. The guitars of Frank Goldwasser and Kirk Fletcher give the Muddy Waters styled song, “I Can’t Stay Here” written and sung by Goldwasser, an authenticity well deserved. This song is the highlight of this very fine album.

Finis Tasby sings passionately on “I Get So Worried”. Kid Ramos’ extended solo is wrapped nicely around guest Woody Woodford’s tenor sax. Finis also contributes vocally on “Why Do Things Happen To Me?”, “My Baby’s A Good’ Un”, and “Walkin’ Down Filmore”. On each of these it’s Kid Ramos on lead guitar. Kirk Fletcher plays lead only when Finis sings on “Border Town Blues”. Finis Tasby is an expressive singer and each of his performances are marvelous.

Chicagoan Bobby Jones gets his chance to sing on “Mary Jane” and “California Blues”. With a voice slightly deeper he continues to impress the listener. On his vocals Kirk Fletcher plays lead guitar. Other notable performances include Rob Rio singing and playing piano on the Howlin’ Wolf styled “Carpet Bagger Blues”; Johnny Dyer as a “blues shouter” on “Just To Be With You” and “Broken Hearted Blues” while Rick Holmstrom guests on rhythm guitar; Leon Blue’s vocal on “Gotta Move” accompanied by Frank Goldwasser’s slide; Jody Williams’ vocals on the countryish “Groan My Blues Away” and on the low down “Young and Tender; and Randy Chortkoff’s vocal on “Mine All Mine” with Kirk Fletcher on guitar.

Delta Groove Music has outdone themselves as the production by Randy Chortkoff establishes “The Mannish Boys” as one of the most sought after Chicago Blues bands today. A wonderful
recording.