THE MANNISH BOYS "BIG PLANS" Source: Oracles Music Date: 12/2007 Writer: Sir Hodge

Alligator Records was formed in 1971 so that Hound Dog Taylor and The Houserockers could be recorded and distributed. This story was repeated in 2004 when Delta Groove Productions was brought into existence to record and release the Mannish Boys. The Mannish Boys are a Blues revue that contains Blues legends from all around the country. Their latest release Big Plans has a mix of originals and lesser known covers that should leave the listener wanting to do two things:

1) Go find and listen to the Mannish Boys’ first release, The Represent Man, and their second release, Live and In Demand.

2) Revisit some of the classics presented on Big Plans in their original form. Start off with Howlin’ Wolf’s "California Blues" or perhaps Long John Hunter's "Border Town Blues". I love CDs like this as they never fail to revive an interest and celebrate the Blues heritage and tradition.

Featured in this version of the Mannish Boys are vocalists and charter members Finis Tasby and Chicago Blues legend Johnny Dyer with support from guitarists Frank Goldwasser and Mannish Boys veterans Kirk Fletcher and David “Kid” Ramos (The Fabulous Thunderbirds). Pianist and former sideman for Freddie, Albert and B.B. King, Leon Blue, bassist Tom Leavey and drummer Richard “Big Foot” Innes form a tight rhythm section that would make any Blues musician comfortable. Guest appearances are provided by Jody Williams, Rick Holmstrom, Mitch Kashmar, Rob Rio and Larry Taylor.

A few highlights for your consideration:

It is great to hear the West Coast Blues singing of Finis Tasby whose melancholic sound adds to the charm of his version of Long John Hunter's "Border Town Blues". "I Get So Worried" is a moody late night T-Bone Walker Blues effort with David “Kid” Ramos laying in crisp T-Bone Walker-like guitar riffs.

Roy Hawkins' "Why Do Things Happen to Me?" is a charged rendition of the late West Coast singer’s effort. He penned this song after an auto accident that left his right arm paralyzed. It is nice to remember the man who wrote the classic "The Thrill is Gone".

One of the original tunes on the CD is bassist Tom Leavey’s "Mary Jane". Producer Randy Chortkoff adds some very good harp work that puts you in the mind of Jimmy Reed.

Johnny Dyer covers the Muddy Waters' recording, "Just to Be With You". Although, they add little to the original, the song is well played.

My favorite track on the CD is Homesick James' "Gotta Move". Leon Blue’s vocals are on fine display as is Frank “Paris Slim” Goldwasser’s slide guitar work.

Finally, special guest Jody Williams (who played with Bo Diddley, Howlin’ Wolf and Jimmy Rogers for Chess Records) recreates his "Groan My Blues Away", with a likable if unspectacular vocal effort. It’s always fun to hear the legends record using today’s technology and equipment.

There are plenty more tracks on the CD (fifteen in total) for the listener to explore. As you will no doubt hear for yourself, much of this work is hardly original. It is, however, a delight to hear it done by what I consider to be one of the best collections of Blues talent assembled and working today. Upon hearing Big Plans, most Blues fans will make room for this CD in their collection.