Magic Slim & The Teardrops
Midnight Blues
Blind Pig BPCD 5125
Chicago blues drips from the raw and gritty music of Magic Slim. His vocals are delivered like champion boxer punches. His sharp, fast lead guitar notes are drenched in sweat. His rife rhythms rock like a ship that’s tossed about by a hellacious storm. His potent backing band – comprised of Jon McDonald guitar, Danny O’Connor bass and David Simms drums – is more than capable of supporting the master. Together with Slim, they are considered to be the last real Chicago blues band. Magic Slim doesn’t need to rely on guest stars in order to make a great CD. Still, eight confidant colleagues, including Otis Clay and Elvin Bishop, appear throughout the 47-minute disc. This is practically a 100% pure Chicago blues record. It was recorded in Chicago, it was produced by a Chicago blues artist, most of the songs were written by Chicago artists, and the guests are all associated with Chicago.
Some of the CD’s 13 songs have been previously recorded by Slim for albums on other labels. On Midnight Blues, the songs are all-new recordings. Muddy Waters’ ‘You Can’t Lose What You Ain’t Never Had’ is delivered by two artists, James Cotton and Magic Slim, who have the right to play the song. That’s because Slim is considered to be the greatest living proponent of the electrified, Mississippi-to-Chicago blues style that was first made famous by Waters, and Cotton played harp in Waters’ band for 12 years. The arrangement of the timeless song is made to sound as if it came from Slim’s own songbook. Waters’ ‘Crosseyed Cat’ has also been Slim-ized to the point where you won’t recognize the song. If you think Hound Dog Taylor’s version of ‘Give Me Back My Wig’ rocked, you’ll love Slim’s kick-butt interpretation that features the razor-sharp guitar of Lil’ Ed Williams. Little Milton’s ‘Lonely Man’ sounds like it is being performed by producer Nick Moss because Moss would perform it with the same raw 50s and ’60s Chicago Blues sound. Willie Dixon’s ‘Spider In My Stew’ is a signature Slim tune for me because its one of the first Slim songs I ever heard. This rendition includes a familiar-sounding guitar solo courtesy of Lonnie Brooks.
Sure, many of the songs sound similar and only five were written by Slim. But I state that as an observation not as a criticism. When Chicago blues is performed this well, it should just be played over and over again. If Slim ever makes a bad record, it will be time for him to retire. Based on this fiery CD, Slim’s retirement remains light years away.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 2009
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