THE MANNISH BOYS "LOWDOWN FEELIN" Source: Blues Source Date: 07/2008 Writer: Dick Wissbaum

Just when you thought a musical ensemble couldn’t match their last CD along comes a bunch of blues veterans hammering their way to yet another incredible recording. Randy Chortkoff and the guys at Delta Groove have again equaled their last release “Big Plans” when it comes to the raw and indigenous music we call the blues. Possibly one of the best blues releases of the year, “Lowdown Feelin’” is jammed packed with a seventeen track play list that includes several originals, and also a significant amount of songs that have been locked away in the blues vaults. Randy had taken interest in digging up some vintage, rare material that even most blues aficionados have missed. To mention a few I must include the Louis Jordon rarity “Reet, Petite and Gone,” and Howlin’ Wolf’s hidden gem “Chocolate Drop.” Deacon Jones “Something’s Wrong” and Big Walter’s “Need My Baby” are also here, and the closing track bares the sound of a funeral durge on Johnny O’Neals “Dead Letter Blues.” Randy has included two of his own, “Searchin’ Blues,” and the attenuated “Rude Groove,” which at just under 8 minutes strikes a perfect chord with the old time solo styles of harp and guitar. Two songs by Florida’s Bill Emerson are the strange and melodic “Figure Head” and the amusing lyrics of “The Woodchuck.” The time soaked vocals and harp playing of Little Sammy Davis glow on his and guitarist Fred Scribners song “When I Leave” and “Fine Lookin’ Woman,” both mentioned as special guests. The newest member of the band Chicago vocalist Bobby Jones is featured on seven tracks, while Finis Tasby and Johnny Dyer still shine, but only sing on a few tracks each. The amount of musical variety within this project is its strong point as the three-guitar army of Ramos, Fletcher and Goldwasser all put their own styles and experiences into focus. Other special guests include Lynwood Slim and Al Blake on harmonica, and the great Jr. Watson adding yet another guitar style to this project already teeming with six-string talent. There are other great musicians not mentioned here, but hopefully you’ll get that “Lowdown Feelin’” and find out for yourself that this may be one of the best investments you’ll make all year!