Howlin’ Waters
New Folk, 2026
9/10
The legendary acoustic blues guitarist Terry Robb treats us to 13 songs of his fingerpicking ways, where plenty of different ideas are explored.
The really intricate progressions of the warm “St Charles St Rag” opens with an upbeat mood that’s infectious, and “Alleluia Shuffle” follows with plenty of timeless blues spirit via the strong attention to melody.
Further along, “But Not Now” uses Robb’s expressive voice superbly amid the playful guitar, while “Boogie In 7” will get your body moving to the grooves and rhythm, where Gary Hobbs’ thumping drums and Eddie Parente’s violin won’t go unnoticed.
Deeper still, “Tripped And Fell” recruits Hank Lionhart’s pipes and David Captein’s frisky upright bass to the album highlight, and “Fahey At Bush Park” exits with Robb’s meticulous and heartfelt guitar playing front and center.
Certainly a blues record, but not without ragtime, jazz, folk, Americana and rock’n’roll present, Robb’s playing is unparalleled and the songs are all immediately memorable.
Travels well with: Paul “Mayo” Mayasich- Threads; Jimi ‘Prime Time’ Smith- It’s My Time