Charlie Musselwhite
(Alligator)
Unlike with rock, it's practically a truism for the blues that the players get better - more intuitive; nuanced; intense, even - with age. Here to drive that notion home is veteran harp blower Charlie Musselwhite, Mississippi-born/Southside Chicago-spawned, making a prodigal return to the venerable Alligator label with a platter so silky-stanky and steamin' that it oughta be classified as an enemy of the state - the state of musical complacency, that is.
Backed by players from the Blasters, Hacienda Brothers and Mavis Staples' band, Musselwhite dips deep to come up with down ‘n' dirty choogle ("Rambler's Blues"), slow and sinewy 12-bar blues ("Where Hwy 61 Runs," in which his confessional vocal is as weatherbeaten as his harmonica is mournful), and nocturnal swamp-rock ("Hoodoo Queen," an edgy cross between Dr. John and Tony Joe White). There's also a delightful duet with Staples herself, the cautionary "Sad and Beautiful World." At 66, Musselwhite's seen and done a lot; this opens up a whole new chapter. He may technically qualify as "senior citizen," but elder statesman is far more apt a title.
DOWNLOAD: "Hoodoo Queen," "Where Hwy 61 Runs" FRED MILLS
