PHANTOM BLUES BAND "FOOTPRINTS" Source: Maine Blues Date: 02/2008 Writer: n/a

Throughout much of 2007, Randy Chortkoff and the good folks at Delta Groove Records have delivered a plethora of world-class blues music to fans around the globe. To round out a year full of stellar recordings, Rand and the gang offered a new release from The Phantom Blues Band. This six-piece ensemble is comprised of gifted musicians unified by a common bond. You can hear it in their every song; that special magic achieved only when it all comes together.

This 13-track gem opens with “Look At Granny Run,” a humorous song featuring the strong vocals of Mike Finnigan. His voice sounds a bit like Kim Wilson, with good range and a solid, soulful delivery. For the jump-style “See See
Baby,” we hear the voice of Johnny Lee Schell and the incredible horns of Joe Sublett and Darrell Leonard. I feel good horn arrangements enhance blues music a great deal, and this band has an overall sound that is about as rich and full as it gets.

Among the many highlights are “Leave Home Girl,” an excellent song about what a hot mistress can do to a married man. Larry Fulcher handles lead vocals on this one and does a fabulous job; “Fried Chicken,” a funky number I have had stuck in my head since I first played this CD - it’s a terrific number with a definite southern flair; “Your Heartaches Are Over,” one of the best slow-blues songs I’ve heard in years; and “Chills And Fever,” a solid tune about the effects a woman can have on a man. We hear more great horn work here by Sublett and Leonard. In summary, this is an excellent follow-up to the band’s previous work - “Out Of The Shadows,” also on Delta
Groove Records. Purchase this CD and you’ll be hooked just like I was!