Portrait
Delmark, 2022
8/10
The eldest son of Muddy Water, Mud Morganfield brings us 14 rich and thick blues-rockers that touch on soul, Motown and R&B and welcome an all star cast of players that includes 2 unreleased songs.
“Praise Him” starts the listen with a very soulful approach, where Morganfield’s precise bass and expressive singing is complemented by Felicia Collins, Shantina Lowe and Demetrius Hall’s well timed backing vocals, and “Short Dressed Woman” follows with Billy Flynn’s intricate guitar, Barrelhouse Chuck’s piano acrobatics and Bob Corritore’s flowing harmonica populating the blues climate.
Elsewhere, “Health” trims the pace with a powerful, intimate delivery that showcases Kenny Smith’s agile drums, while “Money (Can’t Buy Everything)” highlights Chuck’s playful organ and Rick Kreher’s meticulous guitar playing.
The final 2 tracks are among the best, and include the upbeat and rhythmic “Blues In My Shoes”, and the warm, harmonica filled and frisky drumming of “Good Morning Little School Girl”.
Morganfield certainly is carrying on the spirit of his father, and these robust and diverse tunes have all been remastered for this first album on the Delmark label.
Travels well with: John Primer & Bob Corritore- The Gypsy Woman Told Me; Shawn Pittman- Make It Right!