Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Stripped Down In Memphis , from Big Jack Johnson and it's a big helping of old school, delta style blues. Opening with Jimmy Reed's Baby What You Want Me To Do , Big Jack Johnson on guitar and vocal is teamed up with Kim Wilson on harmonica. With a steady, jangly acoustic guitar rhythm under his solid vocal delivery and Wilson's soulful harmonica riffs, this is a great opener. Andy Gibson's The Hucklebuck is a classic with the electric guitar turned up to warm. A stirring rhythm and again with Wilson soloing on harmonica, this is a terrific track. Wild Child Butler's See Me Coming is a cool, laid back, blues jam feat Butler on harmonica and vocal and Johnson on guitar and vocal. Wrapping the release is Bill Doggett's The Hully Gully Twist with Wilson on harmonica and Johnson on electric guitar. A rambling blues with a romping guitar lead and harmonica solo counterpoint, this is a strong closer fo...

On August 4, 1998 MC Records re-issued Lickin' Gravy by harmonica player, singer, songwriter, Wild Child Butler. The recording has never before been issued on CD. Lickin' Gravy was recorded in 1976 and in 1986 and features the cream of Chicago blues players including Pinetop Perkins, Sammy Lawhorn, Aaron Burton, Sam Lay and Jimmy Rogers. The 11 song CD features eight original compositions by "The Maverick of the Blues", Wild Child Butler. He will record new material for MC Records in the future. Wild Child Butler was born in Autaugaville, Alabama in 1936. Wild Child made a name for himself in the 50's and early 60's playing in Chicago and the rural juke joints in Alabama. He first recorded in 1964 and then hooked up with the legendary Willie Dixon who produced four Wild Child singles for Jewel Records from 1966 to 1968. Those sessions were highlighted by the dual harp numbers featuring Wild Child and the great Big Walter Horton. Wild Child Butler's resume ...