On a night late in the autumn of 1998 two of Texas' most respected
guitarists took the stage at Dallas' Blue Cat Blues. As if it was not
exciting enough to see these guys jam together, the live performance was
recorded, resulting in an excellent CD Jim Suhler and Alan Haynes: Live at
Blue Cat Blues. The songs included on the CD are a combination of covers
and originals penned by Jim Suhler who has always proven to be a
consummate songwriter.
The CD kicks off with a cover of Louisiana Red's "Too Poor To
Die" featuring Suhler on vocals, in a song he describes as
"going out the financially challenged." Haynes takes over the
vocal work on "Koockin' At Your Door" with lyrical phrasing that
is rivaled only by the heated exchange of slide action between Suhler and
Haynes. Suhler's "Don't Do It" is a fantastic Rock-n-Roll number
that sets your toes tapping, and if you're feeling really energetic you
may have to dance around your living room to this one. The last track of
the CD is Jim's rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Are You
Experienced." It has been a requested favorite by Suhler's audience
for a few years so it is wholly appropriate that it made its way onto this
live CD. Suhler himself has described his version of the song a being
"by way of Son House" because he always performs it using a
National steel acoustic guitar.
This CD captures what is best about live performances, hard working
guitarists working hard to please their audience. Backed by the steady
rhythms of Carlton Powell on bass and Paul Hollis on drums, the CD is full
of great guitar solos and riffs exchanged between Suhler and Haynes. If
you are a fan of fantastic slide guitar and the sound of Texas blues Jim
Suhler and Alan Haynes: Live at Blue Cat Blues will be an excellent
addition to your CD collection.
- Denise Binion
