Bob Margolin
Hold Me To It
(Blind Pig BPCD5056)
The quote from
the liner notes is appropriate and speaks volumes: "Nobody can fill Muddy's shoes,
but sometimes we can shine 'em up pretty bright." For those who don't know, Bob
Margolin played with Muddy Waters for many years and it is much of that same spirit and
emotion that still emerge from his work. Having said that, this new release from Blind Pig
is in no way a replica or facsimile of McKinley Morganfield; it is however cut from the
same cloth as the late, great Mud. Margolin is unique and his sound is his own, but the
feelings that drove those legendary early days are still very present in the mix. This is
a remarkable collection of tunes, handled with skill and soul that only someone of
Margolin's experiences could produce. Very much a part of the past and the present all at
once. The slide is in top form on most of the tracks, as well as some extraordinary
keyboard work from Sherry Margolin on the gospel inspired piece "Consolation."
This song has an ethereal quality to it; one that is not easy to label or even describe.
"Not Dark Yet" is a song also worth mentioning. Aside from the fact that this is
a Bob Dylan tune, Margolin plays all the instruments and turns out a startling, haunting
performance. It is really eerie and distinctive; provocative and alluring. Quite an
interesting choice in terms of material. He shares guitar and vocal duties on the
Turner/Johnson classic "Wee Baby Blues" with Big Bill Morganfield, son of Muddy
Waters. It's a nice way to end the CD and the duo sound great together. The CD will please
both the hardcore and the easy going with its mix of peppery shuffles and its contrasting
darker, grittier pieces. Margolin creates a time warp of sorts; one foot in the past and
one stepping into the future.
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - November 1999
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