PHANTOM BLUES BAND "FOOTPRINTS" Source: Music City Blues Date: 12/2007 Writer: na

     The Phantom Blues Band were recruited several years ago by Taj Mahal as backing musicians for his "Dancin' The Blues" CD.  Consisting of some of the finest session men on the planet, they have come together as a unit to release their second Delta Groove CD, "Footprints." 

     These guys are incredible players and vocalists.  The horn section is Joe Sublett on sax and Darrell Leonard on trumpet.  Tony Braunagel is on drums, Mike Finnigan is on keys, Lenny Casto on percussion, and Denny Freeman and Johnny Lee Schell are on guitars.  Together, they blend elements of blues, Sixties-era soul, jazz, and even a touch of Jamaica that makes for a very enjoyable listening experience!

     The horn section wails behind Mike Finnigan's vocal on "Chills And Fever," then settles into a smoky, "torch-song" mood on "Cottage For Sale," then "goes to church" on the gospel-tinged "A Fool For You."  Johnny Lee Schell adds a taste of his native Texas on the shuffling "See See Baby."  Some sweet soul sounds are courtesy of Larry Fulcher's vocals on "Your Heartaches Are Over," then he switches gears on a decidedly-down-in-the-Delta slide workout, "When Malindy Sings." 

     We had two favorites, too.  Johnny Leee Schell gives a cool reading of Rufus Thomas' 'finger-lickin' Fried Chicken," which segues' nicely into "Barnyard Blues," where we learn that "the hens sure get quiet when the cock comes around!" 

     It's easy to see why these guys, both individually and as a group, are sought after by some of the biggest names in the business.  "Footprints" has Blues Award nominations written all over it!  Until next time....Sheryl and Don Crow.