 |
|
 |
PHANTOM
BLUES BAND "OUT OF THE SHADOWS"
Source: Good
New Music
Date: 12/2006
Writer: Peter Hund |
Delta
Groove has picked up the Phantom Blues Band’s
self-released and only album (recorded in 2002,
released 2003). These are the players that backed
up Taj Mahal on “Dancin’ the Blues,”
“Phantom Blues,” “Señor
Blues” and the live “Shouting in Key,”
stepping out as a standalone unit and boasting
an excellent selection of cover songs.
Individually
and collectively, the members have been session
players and sidemen for too many blues and classic
rock artists to mention. Suffice it to say the
septet has the chops and enough good singers
(three) to pull off an outstanding CD.
The
best tracks: “Do the Dirt” (Leo
Nocentelli), “My Aching Back” (Lowell
Fulson), “Who’s Been Sleeping in
My Bed” (Jack Tempchin/Bobby Whitlock),
“Rain Down Tears” (Henry Glover/Rudy
Toombs), “Big Boy Pete” (Don “Sugarcane”
Harris/Dewey Terry Jr.) and “Havana Moon”
(Chuck Berry).
Other artists covered include Willie Mitchell,
Jesse Winchester, Jimmy McCracklin and Ray Charles.
Guest musicians are Taj Mahal (harmonica), British
pianist/New Orleans fixture Jon Cleary ,Julie
Delgado (backing vocals) and Lenny Castro (percussion.)
Kudos goes to John Porter (B.B. King, Buddy
Guy, Jimmy Smith, John Mayall, Taj Mahal) for
his marvelous production. |
|
