Motel Mississippi
Forty Below, 2023
8/10
The Memphis Soul blues revivalist Tony Holiday returns with a sophomore album, where North Mississippi Hill Country, Delta Blues, and Memphis soul ideas are present and appreciated.
“Rob & Steal” opens the listen with Lee Williams Jr.’s thumping drums and blues friendly guitar playing amid Holiday’s soulful pipes, and “Get By” follows with warm keys alongside Holiday’s smooth voice that comes with well timed backing vocals and spirited harmonica.
Halfway through, “She’s So Cold” emits a punchy climate that’s packed with gentle melody, while “Just As Gone” shuffles with a honky tonk energy that will get your body moving to the snappy rhythm.
The last 2 tracks are among the best, where “You Know Who I Am” showcases a mysterious atmosphere of stylish and bouncy blues on the softer side of the equation, and “Yazoo River” exits with a festive demeanor of frisky drumming, cozy harmonica and infectious bass lines from Terrence Grayson.
In addition to the above, Holiday is joined by A.J. Fullerton (guitar, banjo), Dave Gross (guitar, accordion, backing vocals, keys, percussion, Moog synth), Aubrey McCrady (guitar), Victor Wainwright (keys), Mikey Junior (backing vocals) and Jake Friel (harmonica). Together, they make for a collaborative, rich body of work that’s both modern and retro, and will require multiple listens.
Travels well with: Mike Pope- Ripening (Ain’t It Strange); The Claudettes- The Claudettes Go Out!