Top Ten Blues 2009

TOP TEN BLUES RELEASES 2009

From John Kessler, host of KPLU’s "All Blues"

This year’s list includes many younger artists playing original music that is undeniably rooted in blues, but is headed somewhere else. Some purists may be put off, but this is actually a fascinating moment - the music is evolving right before our…ears. It’s also a demonstration of how deeply blues is embedded in our culture.

Otis TaylorDEREK TRUCKS BAND, ALREADY FREE, (Sony Music Entertainment)
Released 1/19/09
Just 30 years old, slide guitarist Derek Trucks plays with the taste and wisdom of a true guitar guru. Some say he is carrying on Duane Allman’s legacy - he does attack the instrument with a familiar soulful intensity. But Trucks has given the slide guitar a unique and transcendent voice, one that almost sounds human. Yet his guitar never dominates singer Mike Mattison and the group, as they deliver a mix of funky originals and well chosen R & B covers.
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Sean Costello JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR, WHITE SUGAR, (Ruf Records)
Released 1/30/09
Put aside your preconceptions. A 23 year-old white British woman is one of the most expressive blues singers and guitarists on the planet. This remarkable debut displays a talent for creating blues-rock that goes beyond traditional song structure while remaining undeniably blues, not rock. She is an exceptionally funky and fluid guitarist. Her voice is soft and sultry, never whiny. Dark and mysterious original songs are both passionate and restrained. A truly gifted artist at the very beginning of her career, Joanne Shaw Taylor is an exciting new talent.
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Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater RUTHIE FOSTER, THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO RUTHIE FOSTER,(Blue Corn)
Released 2/3/09
Ruthie Foster is devoted to American roots music, and has a natural ability to perform a wide range of styles including folk, gospel, blues and jazz. This album has all of that, plus some exciting moments from supporting players, including legendary Memphis musician Jim Dickinson as well as guitarist Robben Ford. Production is surprisingly sparse, the big stars don’t play too much and there is virtually no reverb. An intimate album of very diverse songs, skillfully delivered.
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Jeff HealeySHEMEKIA COPELAND, NEVER GOING BACK, (Telarc)
Released 2/12/09
Barely 30 years old, Shemekia Copeland has re-invented herself with her fifth recording. Previously she has emphasized the sheer force of her voice, but this album is more refined, there is less belting and more subtlety. The power is still there, she is just using it more sparingly and to greater effect. A sophisticated and slightly jazzy backing band provides interesting counterpoint to her unstoppably bluesy vocals. Includes a mind-bending version of Joni Mitchell’s “Black Crow”.
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Hans ThhesinkJOE BONAMASSA, THE BALLAD OF JOHN HENRY, (J & R Adventures)
Released 2/24/09
Joe Bonamassa has already proved that he can play as fast and dangerously as any guitar hero. With this release he has accomplished something beyond technique: he has created a real mood, brooding and mysterious. Yes, there is lots of guitar work, but somehow he avoids self-indulgence, the guitar supports the dark vibe. More an album than a series of songs, this may not be as much fun to listen to as his others, but it is a musically varied and impressive piece of work.
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Sonny LandrethJENNI MULDAUR, DEAREST DARLIN’, (Dandelion Music)
Released 3/30/09
Where has Jenni Muldaur been all these years? Singing backup for David Byrne, Lou Reed, and honing her craft in Manhattan clubs. Given her musically accomplished parents, Maria Muldaur and Geoff Muldaur, it’s no wonder she has talent, and this cd, her second, positively pops with energy and soul. Well chosen, slightly obscure, somewhat campy r & b songs from the 50’s and 60’s sound right at home in this century thanks to punchy arrangements and her raucous and rowdy voice. An infectious grown-up dance party.
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Billy Boy ArnoldLURRIE BELL / JOHN PRIMER / BILLY BRANCH / BILLY BOY ARNOLD,
CHICAGO BLUES: A LIVING HISTORY, (Raisin Music)
Released 4/21/09
Four Living Legends re-create music from their mentors, including Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Elmore James. They manage to avoid most of the obvious song choices, choosing instead strong but lesser known tunes. The most mainstream blues album on the 2009 list, this 21 song release features the traditional sound that defines Chicago blues, performed by true masters of the art.
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Janiva MagnesCOLIN LINDEN, FROM THE WATER, (High Romance Music)
Released 5/19/09
Colin Linden has been making records since the 80’s, as a solo artist, sideman and producer, with credits that include Bruce Cockburn, Janiva Magness, Keb’ Mo’ and Cassandra Wilson. That tells you he is deep and diverse, and knows his way around the recording studio. This is an album of slow and medium tempos, and gentle and wistful songs. A sonically interesting blend of pristine and shimmering acoustic instruments offset by vocals bathed in reverb.
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Irma ThomasSLO LEAK, NEW CENTURY BLUES, (Horizon Music Group)
Released 7/7/09
This is not a blues album. New Century Blues is on this list because of two songs, versions of blues classics that best exemplify a genre called “trance blues”. Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful” and Louis Jordan’s “Early in the Morning” take on entirely unexpected and sometimes bizarre dimensions in these techno-funk remakes. Vocalist Charlie Karp is the glue here, his gritty voice like a very determined Howlin’ Wolf, offsetting an onslaught of synthesizers and drum machines.
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Taj MahalTOMMY CASTRO, HARD BELIEVER, (Alligator)
Released 8/11/09
Tommy Castro may have the best bar-band in the world, and in this case, that’s a compliment. With a soulful blues-rock sound honed by many years on tour, he’s always made good sounding records, but on this, his 13th release, and first on the major blues label Alligator, he shows a songwriting depth not heard previously. A mostly raucous and high-spirited mix of originals, and covers ranging from Bob Dylan to Allen Toussaint, Castro’s vocals are most soulful on the slower tunes. His most accomplished album to date.
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