PHANTOM BLUES BAND "OUT OF THE SHADOWS" Source: Suncoast Blues Society, FL Date: 05/2007 Writer: Franc Robert

What do you get when you combine some of the creme-de-la-creme of American blues and R&B musicians/sidemen, mixed with classic songs, top-notch production and unwavering passion for the music? Well, it sounds like an absolute winner of an album, that’s what!

Taj Mahal’s once and occasional backup band (he makes a guest appearance on harp) just knows how to put together a great album and this CD does not disappoint, from the opening Do The Dirt (an old Meters chestnut) through Lowell Fulson, Chuck Berry (Havana Moon), Ray Charles, and far too many R&B greats to mention in this space. Nearly every style is covered here, from straight up blues to N’Awlins second-line, rhumba flavored funkiness and classic groovin R&B. Although the vocalists are all fine (4 members sing lead), I’ve gotta mention Mike Finnigan, who at times sounds like he’s channeling Wilson Pickett, complete with his patented scream, and is the best vocalist I’ve never heard of in a long time. Unreal!!!

My only complaints on this disc are some of the tunes in the middle kinda drag and that only one original tune is on here, but it’s a nice one—the Finnigan penned Baby Doll is a nice, loping piano blues that the rest of the band supports and embellishes perfectly. Overall, the production is about as perfect as can be, everything is clear and in balance, and very full sounding. The songs seem to just jump out of the speakers, ready to party! I have a feeling this CD is going to stay in my player for awhile...