2012-04-21
Ghost Town Blues Band is a Memphis-based group with Matt Isbell on guitar including cigar box guitar (which he constructs and sells), harmonica and vocals; Dusty Sikes on bass, Preston McEwen on drums with Chris Dabbo on keyboard. Dark Horse is their second release. “Memphis Train” (a Rufus Thomas cover from ‘63) is the best heavy-hitting blues tune on the album with an Allman Brothers vibe. “Finish What You Started” has vocalist Isbell straining unbelievably similar to Dr. John. “Meet Me at the Juke Joint” is billed as a New Orleans-flavored classic with lyrics that will make you grin: “that Mississippi woman is nothing but an IOU.” This track features Carl Wolfe on clarinet. Old fashioned piano and distorted harp rule on track 7 “Memphis Blues.” “Biscuit Test” is a great guitar instrumental cut to end with…and might possibly get you in the mood to fire up your grill! Recommended tracks: 2-5-7-12 -- Pam VandeKerkhoffThe opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.