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THE
MANNISH BOYS "THAT REPRESENT MAN"
Source: Southland Blues
Date: 10/2004
Writer: Jim
Santella |
An
all-star superband of West Coast veterans, The Mannish
Boys explore the blues mainstream with authority. Lead
singer Finis Tasby leans back and tells the world where
to get off. With him, guitarists Kirk Fletcher and Frank
Goldwasser join pianist Leon Blue, bassist Ronnie James
Weber and drummer June Core in a rollicking affair.
It was in 1955 that Bo Diddley borrowed from Muddy Waters
for "I’m a Man." Waters followed that
with "Mannish Boy." The swaggering beat remains
unforgettable today, as it serves as a foundation for
blues performers all over the world. Getting’
the job done is easy when you’ve got that rhythm
by your side.
Blues harpist Randy Chortkoff complements Tasby on "Going
Crazy Over T.V." and "I’m a Lover, Not
a Fighter." His soulful harmonica gives the session
a natural, world traveler atmosphere. Makes you feel
like you’ve been there. Mickey Champion guests
on "The Eagle is Back," a slow, soulful blues
about being down and out. She sings it convincingly,
reminding us that there is always hope. Roy Gaines sings
a fast-paced "I Had a Dream Last Night" with
foot-tappin’ power. His guitar brings the message
home clearly. Johnny Dyer’s harmonica brings "Temperature"
and "You’re Sweet" around with genuine
roots. He sings both with a veteran’s touch. An
all-star blues band with an authentic spirit, The Mannish
Boys have what it takes to preserve the music that deserves
to be called our national treasure. |
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