Elvin Bishop
Booty Bumpin’
Blind Pig BPCD 5118
Elvin Bishop’s entertaining nature is bursting with enthusiasm on this live disc. As a member of the original Paul
Butterfield Blues Band, Bishop’s contributions to the blues movement are undeniable. Since parting with Butterfield
in 1968, Bishop has created notable solo records. On Booty Bumpin’, he is expertly assisted by the delightful members
of his sizeable band. Many of them appeared on his previous CD, Gettin’ My Groove Back. Their big sound camouflages
Bishop’s non-crooning lead vocals. Bobby Cochran (drums), Ed Earley (trombone, rubboard) and Steve Willis (piano, accordion)
also assist with lead vocals. None of them are astonishing, but the music is so damn enjoyable it doesn’t matter. For example,
“Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket” is basic blues but it sounds more complicated due to the gratifying band. Throughout 63-minutes,
pleasant musical solos are provided by Willis and Mike Schermer (guitar).
Lots of fun is exercised on this blues-based roots rock album, which was recorded live at Constable Jack’s in Newcastle,
California, on December 3, 2006. The 12-song repertoire – seven are Bishop originals – focuses on Bishop’s Alligator and Blind Pig
years, but the early ’70s as well as previously unrecorded songs are represented. With guitar chords that purposely sound bent,
twisted and confused, “What The Hell Is Going On” is a musical celebration of our paranoid society. The only thing with stability is
the song’s rhythm. All the way around, it’s a brilliant song. On “I Feel Alright Again,” the guitarists slide and glide along their frets
like finely lubricated pistons. Here, piano and trombone are also showcased. “Half Way Out The Door” features the disc’s best
vocalist – Willis – as well as Schermer’s West Coast sounding guitar. Most lyrics aren’t deep because they aren’t supposed to be
deep. The benefits of living a dog’s life are revealed in “My Dog” where the four-legged protagonist doesn’t chase cats or women.
During the hillbilly rock stomp “I’ll Be Glad,” the nearly 65-year-old Bishop professes to be (‘Tired of living in this big old world of hurt’).
So he remedies the situation with joyous rocking music.
Several high-energy instrumentals exist which showcase wobbling horns, precise piano, bone rattling guitar and Bishop’s signature
melodic slide guitar. Plenty of instruments, e.g., accordion and tambourine, get their groove on during “Stomp”. Its rocking and rhythmic
melody instills dancing and boogieing. Booty Bumpin’ is quick paced, pumping and pushing. The mellow Blue Flame is packed with lots
of sophisticated blue notes from guest guitarist Daniel Castro.
Bishop’s vocals are insubstantial when compared to his pleasurable songwriting, punchy guitar playing and boisterous showmanship.
Needless to say, his live show is as significant as ever. Overall, Booty Bumpin’ delivers high entertainment value from blues’ notorious
class clown.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - November 2007
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