No Border Blues
Delmark, 2020
9/10
The legendary bluesman Johnny Burgin is no stranger to Japan, having toured there many times in his career, and here he picks a handful of his favorite musicians from the island nation to contribute on this first ever Americana/Japanese collaboration.
“One Day You’re Going To Get Lucky” starts the listen with spirited harmonica as a busy display of timeless blues prowess enters the rhythmic setting, and “Sunnyland” follows with a slow burning affair of soulful, retro blues.
Elsewhere, “Hurry Up Baby” moves with a swift pace where Nacomi Tanaka’s smooth, soaring vocals guide the fluid melodies, while “I Just Keep Loving Her (Mada Sukinanda)” shines bright as Kotez’s inimitable vocals blur well with the harmonica acrobatics. “Old School Player”, an album stand out, then indeed offers retro flavor as Burgin’s sturdy pipes flow alongside Iper Onishi’s skilled harmonica and Takagiman’s proficient drumming.
At the end, “Samurai Harp Attack”, the sole instrumental, layers 3 harps precisely in the dizzying blues jam execution, and “Sweet Home Osaka” (their version of “Sweet Home Chicago”) finishes out the listen with Lee Kanehiras’ jumpy piano work complementing the dynamic rhythm section.
Although Burgin is certainly globally known for his esteemed work, many of the Japanese artists here aren’t recognized outside of their home country despite their immeasurable discipline and unparalleled skill. Thankfully, Burgin knows talent when he sees it, and that instinct results in a career high for the influential bluesman.
Travels well with: Bob Corritore- Do The Hip-Shake Baby!; John Primer & Bob Corritore- The Gypsy Woman Told Me