Barrelhouse Chuck & The All Star Band
Got My Eyes On You
SR-5014
I’ll admit my ignorance here. I’d never heard of Barrelhouse Chuck before this CD.
Alright already! I can’t know everything – my specialty is Texas Blues! But the first thing that caught
my eye when I looked at the cover for Got My Eyes On You was the last name on the list of players in
the All Star Band – recent Dallasite and guitarist extraordinaire, Joel Foy. I knew right away: a) this
Chuck guy has really good taste in guitarists, and b) he knows something about the blues. Seeing Kim
Wilson’s name didn’t hurt my feelings any either. And, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
and Eddie Taylor, Jr.! What an incredible line up! I couldn’t wait to get this CD into the player.
These guys play like a band that’s played hundreds of gigs together: loose and fluid
yet tight and on the money. The 13 tracks include five instrumentals (including "Red River Rumba" written
by the aforementioned Mr. Foy.) and mostly covers, but excellent versions of the chosen songs.
Barrelhouse wrote one song, "Iza Mae," and actually sits out on a track on his own CD. I’m thinking,
‘This guy must have an extreme amount of confidence to be so generous.’ And, from the very first track,
it’s apparent why. He’s quite the talented pianist and an accomplished vocalist as well, and he’s assembled,
well, an "All Star" cast of characters. How could you produce anything but such a phenomenal product with
this class of talent?
A special treat is Eddie Taylor Jr.’s appearance on the cover of his fathers track "Big
Town Playboy", my all time favorite Eddie Taylor tune. They are respectful of the brilliance of the tune
without being uptight about it.
"Got My Eyes On You" has got that late night smoky bar feel. But there’s an energy here – this isn’t just
pro’s putting in another nights work. These are musicians who love the blues paying homage to those
that have come before them, and leaving a legacy for those who come after. If you haven’t done so,
discover Barrelhouse Chuck by checking out this CD.
- Blue Lisa -
Southwest Blues CD Review - February 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews - available at our store
