MISSISSIPPI HEAT

HATTIESBURG BLUES

2008-06-25

You can always count on the Delmark label to turn out rock solid blues discs. Mississippi Heat’s new disc, its second for the label, is no exception to that rule. Lead by harmonica player, Pierre Lacocque, and given an extra kick by the Chicago horns and guest vocalists/guitarists, Carl Weathersby, Lurrie Bell and Devin Thompson, the band travels not only the well worn blues path, "Chicago Is My Home", "Soft Hearted Woman", "Light from Within" and "Hell and Back" but also some new territory with the Latin-tinged "How Much Worse Can It Be?", "Hattiesburg Blues" and "Calypso In Blue". While many blues bands wouldn’t have a light enough touch to handle the fleet syncopation of the Island rhythms, Lacocque and crew jump into the groove as if they belong no where else. New guitarist Giles Corey stands tall against the marquee talent of Weathersby and Bell with his Santana inspired chops on Calypso in Blues and his righteous vocals on Say Something Good. While the entire set is solid Inetta Visor’s salty, salacious vocals on "Tiger Man", the rollicking piano and high energy harmonica work of "Gone So Song" and the socially conscious lyrics of "Nature Is Crying’" are highlights. Smitty www.delmark.com

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