That’s My Name
Delmark, 2022
8/10
At 90 years old, Bob Stroger shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by this first Delmark album as leader, where Joe Marhofer, Ricardo Maca, Arthur ‘Catuto’ Garcia, and Leandro ‘Cavera’ Barbeta complement his inimitable vocals and precise bass playing.
“What Goes On In The Dark” starts the listen with Stroger’s raw vocals alongside Marhofer’s spirited harmonica and Maca’s hypnotic guitar lines in the powerful blues climate, and “Just A Bad Boy” follows with Barbeta’s fluid drums complementing the gritty melodies.
Elsewhere, “Come On Home” shuffles and bounces with Stroger’s playful bass work illuminating the frisky climate, while “Keep Your Hands Off Her” recruits bright keys from Luciano Leaes amid the punchy drumming and breezy quality that makes this the album’s best.
Further on, “Pretty Girl” showcases the dynamic rhythm section in a timeless blues rocker, and “That’s My Name” exits the listen with a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ good time that rock’n’rolls with plenty of blues spirit.
The contributions from Leaes on keys and Braion Johnny on sax can’t be dismissed here, as Stroger and company flesh out a listen that any fan of the blues will enjoy repeatedly.
Travels well with: Johnny Burgin- Live; Johnny Iguana- Johnny Iguana’s Chicago Spectacular