Charlie Musselwhite's latest CD release is another reason to celebrate . The beloved music veteran has done a complete 360 from his award-winning collaboration with long-time friend Elvin Bishop . Here - on " Mississippi Son " - Charlie Musselwhite breathes new life ( and personalizes every note) into field holler blues , commonly known as country blues or front porch blues. Charlies music speaks to people across the generations . "Mississippi Son " captures the beauty , the mystery , the tragedy that is all part of the Mississippi Delta. Charlie says it best , "...this is the music I love and I hope you'll enjoy it too. My heart is definitely in it".
Charlie Musselwhite grew up in Memphis , hung out on the REAL Beale Street as a teen ,learning guitar from veterans who taught him " a lot , just sitting around and jamming with them" , spent time living in California , and has now relocated to Clarksdale , Mississippi. Clarksdale , Mississippi holds a special place on the Mississippi Blues Trail . Here is where you find the " Devils Crossroads " where Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil in return for becoming a legendary blues guitarist . One moment Robert Johnson is an amateur picker - at best - and later - astounds even veteran players with his talented dexterity . Who knows? Clarksdale , Mississippi - 365 days and nights of live blues performed at clubs and juke joints throughout the area; the Festival City where 15 incredible festivals happen every year ; where everyone world-wide is invited to discover the " deep history and inherent charm in the old brick buildings and uneven sidewalks we call " downtown Clarksdale" (thanks to Roger Stolle - Blues Music magazine). " Mississippi Son " showcases Charlie Musselwhite's often-overlooked guitar work . Known primarily for his creative harp sessions Charlie once again throws the dice to the wind and blows hot with 8 original Mussel-White penned tunes that stand strong and tall against his favorites from John Lee Hooker , Charlie Patton , the Stanley Brothers , Guy Clark . There are 14 outstanding tracks here, perfectly complemented by Ricky " Quicksand " Martin on drums and Barry Bays on acoustic standup bass. " Listening to tracks like " Blues Up The River " - where Charlies electric guitar and harmonica meet to lazily cruise " Old Muddy" ; "Remembering Big Joe" , a warm and loving tribute to friend Big Joe Williams ; and does an outstanding take on " Crawling King Snake" ; and " In Your darkest Hour " , an 8-bar blues that Charlie made up one day. Every track is truly impressive and creatively eye-opening. " Mississippi Son '' brings the Delta straight to your doorsteps and onto your front porch . This is a '' must-have '' not only for the legions of Charlies fans world-wide but for anyone interested in enjoying the passion and soulfulness of field holler blues , the true heartbeat of American music . "Mississippi Son " is a welcome treat and a wonderful journey across the southern crossroads.
Author: John Muller