Shadow of the Blues in Bloomington, MN

Little Charlie & the Nightcats
' seventh album for
Alligator
found the group at the top of its game, sharp songwriting combining with the expert playing of a group that has spent years on the road honing its craft.
Rick Estrin
's sleazy used-car-salesman-as-blues-singer persona comes shining through on his originals
"Never Trust a Woman,"
"New Old Lady,"
and
"Big and Fat,"
while
Charlie Baty
's guitar mastery is brought to the fore on the dazzling instrumental
"Percolatin'."
The title track is a great minor-key slow late-night piece, full of atmosphere and sporting great chromatic harp work from
Estrin
and a jazzy break from
Baty
. Down-home award-winner goes to the only cover on board,
Arthur "Big Boy" Spires
'
"Murmur Low,"
which also features
in the rare role of second guitarist. As always, the rhythm section of
Ronnie James Weber
on bass and
June Core
on drums provides swinging support throughout, and the addition on certain tracks of
Jimmy Pugh
on piano and organ is most welcome. The result is another solid album of modern-day blues served up by one of the genre's best working bands. ~ Cub Koda