Thanks
VizzTone, 2023
8/10
The always impressive artist Bob Margolin celebrates 50 since he was added to the Muddy Waters Band, and he plays the same Gibson archop electric guitar that was use next to Muddy and The Band in the The Last Waltz.
“Going Down To Main Street” opens the listen with soulful keys and spirited guitar complementing Margolin’s rugged pipes in the raw blues climate, and “Shape I’m In” follows with warm guitar and bright singing that comes with plenty of Southern grit.
At the halfway point, “Lonely Man Blues” is full of intimacy in the heartfelt and timeless blues flavor, while “Hard Working Man” uses soft instrumentation and vivid storytelling to make an impression via Margolin’s genuine bluesy ideas.
“No Consolation” and “Just Before Dawn” exit the listen, where the former showcases Margolin’s distinct guitar playing and the latter carries a poetic quality with a reflective, easily accessible charm.
Margolin made every sound on this album except for a bark from his border collie, Levon, and it makes for a 5 decade journey that further solidifies his place as a first rate bluesman since his first recorded material in 1967.
Travels well with: Bob Corritore- High Rise Blues; Lucky Losers- Standin’ Pat