PHANTOM BLUES BAND "FOOTPRINTS" Source: Big City Blues Date: 04/2008 Writer: Dirk Wissbaum

Once in awhile along comes a spider that seems to creep into the blues scene and take it by storm. This very CD from Taj Mahal's working band does just that. A promising mixed review of both modern high fusion blues, yet laced with several tracks representing the swing and jump era that take us way back in history. This eclectic blend of songs that comes from this CD's grooves take on the sounds that the masters and pioneers of this music laid down so very long ago. These masters laid the groundwork or "Footprints" if you will for this modern day talent to take to higher levels. The six main figures on this body of work are Mike Finnigan on vocals, piano and B-3 organ, Johnny Lee Schell on guitar and vocals & Larry Fulcher on bass and vocals. Standing tall on the horn arrangements is Darrell Leonard on Trumpet and on saxophone is Joe Sublett. Tony Braunagel provides the beat on drums. Other special guests include John Cleary on piano, Denny Freeman on guitar and Larry Tuttle on upright bass. Lenny Castro plays percussion on all tracks. With the modern blues of "Look at Granny Run," to the west coast jump of "See See Baby," this CD is sure to be an ear opener. Even the slow and melancholy classic "Cottage For Sale" is here. There are tracks with a southern flare as well, and also the soulful sounds of Motown. Great vocals by Finnigan are had on the Ray Charles hit "Fool For You," and there is even a slight Caribbean ring to the track "When the Music Changes." The amusing lyrics of "My Wife Can't Cook" is Johnny Lee's way of telling his woman to stay out of the kitchen. "When Malindy Sings" is Fulchers, and reveals an eerie and translucent call and response to the background vocals that are intertwined with slide guitar right out of Mississippi. Produced by John Porter and the Mannish Boys own Randy Chortkoff as executive producer. This CD will be a big hit due to the virtuosity of the band and seriousness of the project.