PHANTOM BLUES BAND "OUT OF THE SHADOWS" Source: Bluesletter Washington Blues Society Date: 02/2007 Writer:Malcolm Kennedy

After a number of years as Taj Mahal’s multi-GRAMMYAward-winning and 2001 W.C. Handy Award for “Best Band of the Year”, the Phantom Blues Band is striking out on it’s own with Out of the Shadows from Delta Groove productions. The list of notable artists that these guys have supported during their individual musical careers is both vast and impressive at the same time. The music they laid down on Out of the Shadows covers a diverse range from the gospel-infused “I’m Looking For A Miracle”, the reggae beats of “Book of Rules” (replete with dub effects that would make King Tubby proud), the slow soul ballad, “Let Them Talk,” to the  sexually-charged lowdown blues of “Part Time Love.” Fair, but delightful, warning: I’m quite confident that you’ll see couples bumping and grinding on the dance floor to the unmistakable messages of “Part Time Love.” The horn section really rounds out this powerful and experienced seven-piece unit, particularly on “Rain Down Tears,’ a standout cut that showcases some slow blues with some sweet harmonies, slick horns, and jazzy guitar riffs.  As with all the releases I’ve heard from Delta Groove Productions, the sound is tight, authentic, I highly recommend Out of the Shadows.