PHANTOM BLUES BAND "OUT OF THE SHADOWS" Source: Blues Wax Date: 01/2007 Writer: Richard Ludmerer

The Phantom Blues Band originated as Taj Mahal's backup band and can be heard on several Taj Mahal CDs, most notably Shoutin' In Key: Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band Live. They have won two Grammy Awards and a 2001 Blues Music Award "Band of The Year." The band consists of R&B veterans whose credentials are too many to mention here. It is their collective musicianship that makes this one of the year's most exciting albums. The Phantom Blues Band are Johnny Lee Schell (guitar and vocal), Mike Finnigan (organ, piano, and vocals), Joe Sublett (sax), Denny Freeman (guitar), Larry Fulcher (bass and vocal), Darrell Leonard (trumpet), and Tony Braunagel (drums).
Opening with The Meters' "Do The Dirt," one is immediately impressed with how tight and professional is this band. The next track is Lowell Fulson's "My Aching Back" and we begin to appreciate their versatility. The horn arrangement on "Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?" is especially notable.

"I Only Have Love" is the Syl Johnson song. "Rain Down Tears" has been recorded by Hank Ballard and The Midnighters and also by Levon Helm & The RCO Allstars. "I'm Looking for a Miracle" was written by Jesse Winchester, while "Big Boy Pete" was a hit for The Olympics. "Let Them Talk" was recorded by Little Willie John. The Phantom Blues Band's eclecticism has no bounds.

The choice to cover The Heptones' "Book of Rules," possibly one of the greatest Reggae tunes ever recorded, truly cemented these guys as well-rounded and gifted musicians. Music should be about discovery and this band clearly hits that goal. "Havana Moon" is a Chuck Berry tune previously covered by Santana. "Part Time Love" is a Blues standard covered by many, including Otis Rush. "Think" is the Jimmy McCracklin tune. "Yield Not to Temptation" is the Bobby Blue Bland classic, while "Baby Doll" is a Mike Finnegan original and "Mary Ann" was written by Ray Charles.

If you are looking for an adventurous spirited album with gifted musicians, you need look no further. There is a reason these guys back one of the truly chameleon-like musicians in Taj Mahal. Check out this CD for an aural collage.