PHANTOM BLUES BAND "FOOTPRINTS" Source: Blues Critic Date: 01/2008 Writer: Schell

On their debut set, I downplayed the vocal abilities of lead singers Mike Finnegan, Larry Fulcher and Johnny Lee Schell. Not that they couldn't sing, but just they were no Jackie Payne. Well, I don't know if I was just in a crummy mood that day or what, but all three sound fine and/or dandy on this new set. Finnegan absolutely dazzles on "Cottage For Sale" (and elsewhere). Fulcher shows he can do that blue-eyed soul/pop ala Huey Lewis & The News on the effective "Your Heartaches Are Over".

In fact, everything sounds great on this big brassy Rhythm & Blues, Soul & Funk & etc..record. In fact, I'm setting aside my reservations about covers projects because the 3 punch combo that opens the set (Howard Tate's "Look At Granny Run", Freddie King's "See See baby",  and one time Hi Records staff writer Earl Randle's "Leave Home Girl") all sizzle. Plus there are a few originals thrown in for good measure. Fulcher and Finnegan provide the pounding shuffle "Barnyard Blues", Fulcher co-wrote the acoustic slide number "When Malinda Sings" and the Jimmy Cliff-like Ska "When The Music Changes". Trumpeter Darrell Leanord shared writing chores with Schell on "Very Blue Day". Needless to say there will be no more "former Taj Mahal backing band" comments necessary from this point on when one speaks of the Phantom Blues Band.