Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
was one of the most jazz-oriented of bluesmen, a colorful guitarist and a primitive but swinging fiddler. On this release he includes many instrumental sections in his performances including four all-out boppish jazz jams ("Digging New Ground," "C-Jam Blues," "The Peeper" and the stomping "We're Outta Here"). Brown's vocals, which feature consistently intelligent lyrics ("Better Off With The Blues" is particularly memorable), are part of the music rather than the entire show; he even gives his obscure backup horns chances to solo. The set is a particularly strong example of
Gatemouth Brown's
music with each of the 11 selections (except perhaps for "I Will Be Your Friend," a poppish vocal duet with
Michelle Shocked
) being well worth hearing. ~ Scott Yanow