© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2007

Buddy Flett
Mississippi Sea

Louisiana swamp blues are alive and well on the new release Mississippi Sea by Buddy Flett. Known for his work with Shreveport blues stalwarts The Bluebirds, here Flett puts on his jeans and well-worn boots and invites us on a journey back to the heart of the blues – with the results being the earthy, unvarnished sounds captured on this CD.

Stripped down arrangements throughout the CD consist of mostly Flett on vocals and guitar, with subtle touches of bass from Joe Osborn and drumming from Darren Osborn. Kenny Wayne Shepard guests on track three, “I Hear Ya Calling,” adding some tasteful, understated guitar. Buddy wrote or co-wrote eight of the songs. The remaining four covers include a warm and lively acoustic take on Freddie King’s “Hideaway” and a country-fried version of BB King’s “Don’t Lie To Me.” Unique angles on both songs to be sure, but beautifully done, breathing yet another life into both these classics.

Flett’s vocals are raspy and rugged – the voice of a man who’s seen a world both kind and unkind, and who returns home to tell his tales with truth and wisdom. Both his vocal timbre and phrasing flow seemingly effortlessly. Chances are he would sound exactly like this both first thing in the morning straight out of bed (not too early!) and late at night in the corner of a dimly lit bar. No need to scream or shout these stories, the more understated the delivery, the more powerful the message.

Mississippi Sea is blues inspired by countless country lane juke joints and off the map roadhouses. Chronicles of a life of struggles and tribulations. Songs in the key of blues.

- Blue Lisa -


Southwest Blues CD Review - October 2007
Current Reviews  - 2007 Reviews  -  available at our store