2009-10-19
The Mississippi Sheiks were one of the most popular blues groups of the 1930s, centered around the duo of Walter Vinson and Lonnie Chatmon (with other members, mainly Lonnie's brothers Sam and Armenter). The Shieks' most famous tune, "Sittin' on Top of the World," has been recorded by everyone from Howlin' Wolf to Bob Dylan to Jack White. Canadian musician Steve Dawson assembles a predominately Canadian line-up of guests in this set to give the Sheiks' catalog either a straightforward or fresh delivery. The North Mississippi All-Stars get things rocking from the get-go with "It's Backfirin' Now" and there are solid entries from Bruce Cockburn, Kelly Joe Phelps and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Two women on this disc deliver the best renditions: Madeline Peyroux's sultry "Please Baby" and the relatively unknown Ndidi Onukwulu on the title track. A great set and a fitting tribute to an important, yet overlooked, blues legacy group. Michael J. 10/09 B-Roots (Delta)JOYANN PARKER
HARD TO LOVE
THE TWISTERS
COME OUT SWINGIN'
Hamish Anderson
Restless
Laura Rain & The Ceasers
Closer
Eliza Neals feat. Howard Glaze and the Narcotics!
10,000 Feet Below
RAY MANZAREK AND ROY ROGERS
TRANSLUCENT BLUES
The 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.