Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Slim Pickin' , from Mississippi MacDonald and it's strong. Opening with Trouble Doing The Right Thing , Mississippi MacDonald shows his ability to deliver in a big way with just a mic and an acoustic guitar. His soulful voice and R&B guitar styling is backed by Brent Cundall on bass and Phil Dearing on percussion. Super opener. My Bad Attitude , another track with a firm R&B feel, gives Mac a great stage for his gritty yet soulful vocals and acoustic guitar backing and light snare work is just the right touch. An interesting take on Blind Willie McTell's Statesboro Blues is fresh with none of the trademark feeling that Taj Mahal or Duane Allman put on the track, propelling it into rock fame. With a more original Piedmont fingerpicking style, this is a terrific addition. St. Louis Jimmy Oden's Going Down Slow really is cool with a slow, easy roll and acoustic style backing. Dearing contributes a re...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Got What You Need , from Mississippi MacDonald and it's a strong blend of blues and soul. Opening with rumbling blues, I've Got What You Need with it's stinging Albert Collins like lead guitar and thick bluesy lead vocals by Mississippi MacDonald, backed by Eliott Boughen on bass, Jim Kimberley on drums, Phil Dearing on guitars and keys and Lucy Randall on backing vocals, the release is off to a great start. Slow blues, Stop! Think About It! is one of my favorite tracks on the release with gripping Albert King influenced lead guitar work MacDonald really knows how to pour it on. 3.35 AM is a cool guitar instrumental with a rocking beat. Very cool. Gospel classic, If I Could Only Hear My Mother Pray Again with excellent lead and backing vocals and excellent lead guitar work over Dearing's organ. Very nice. Wrapping the release is deeply soulful, Your Dreams , featuring MacDonald really digging deep on ...