James Peterson
Wrong Bed
(HownDog 1001)
This is the seventh album from the "other" Mr. Peterson and
the first on his own record label. Seven is a Lucky number (no pun
intended here) and that logic applies to this collection of original
tunes. It's a solid bunch of songs; sturdily constructed and impressively
performed. James started out in gospel (like many of the illuminati) and
it is that flair that still pervades his sound. Peterson is still
"preaching the blues" but make no mistake: it is most definitely
blues. There are ten tracks of his particular brand of jam, complimented
by some hearty guitar work from his son and some nice rhythm guitar from
Butch Bonner and Lance Lopez. In fact, prodigal son Lucky does a little
bit of everything on this album; from bass, backing vocals and, you
guessed it, keyboards. Lucky dazzles with his infamous ivory tickling
skills on tracks like 'Ends Meet." Lopez and Bonner are both
excellent performers and are put to good use here. While the players have
their shining moments, the spotlight belongs to James. Check out his
lyrics and delivery on "Four Little Boys," an autobiographical
composition. His voice conveys the heartfelt sadness and raw honesty that
make the song a real memorable experience. Likewise on the slow pounding
gritty piece "Blood Runs Cold." Peterson tears it up in nice,
slow slices; disseminating weeping riffs with laser like precision. He
handles the space between the notes, crafting the negative space as well
as the positive. See how he accomplishes this feat on tracks like
"Memphis Smoke." It is as much about what he doesn't play as
what he does. James takes it to funky town with songs like "Fishin'."
It's a great track that really gets under your skin. He ends the CD with a
little speech on "Cryin' Time," a vicious little diatribe on the
trials and tribulations of a wayward romance. Peterson is a talented
performer with a real gift for jam. Like father, like son.
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - January 2000
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