Magic Slim & The Teardrops - Midnight Blues (2008)

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Magic Slim & The Teardrops - Midnight Blues (2008)

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Chicago blues drips from the raw and gritty music of Magic Slim. His vocals are delivered like a champion boxer punches. His sharp, fast lead guitar notes are drenched in sweat. His rife rhythms rock like a ship that’s tossed about by a hellacious storm. His potent backing band – comprised of Jon McDonald (guitar), Danny O’Connor (bass), and David Simms (drums) – is more than capable of supporting the master. Together with Slim, they are considered to be one of the last real Chicago blues bands. Magic Slim doesn’t need to rely on guest stars in order to make a great CD. Still, eight confidant colleagues, including Otis Clay and Elvin Bishop, appear throughout the 47-minute disc. This is practically a 100% pure Chicago blues record. It was recorded in Chicago, it was produced by a Chicago blues artist, the cover photo and CD design were created by a Chicago graphic artist, most of the songs were written by Chicago artists, and the guests are all associated with Chicago.

Some of the CD’s 13 songs have been previously recorded by Slim for albums on other labels. On Midnight Blues, the songs are all-new recordings. Muddy Waters’ You Can’t Lose What You Ain’t Never Had is delivered by two artists, James Cotton and Magic Slim, who have the right to play the song. That’s because Slim is considered to be the greatest living proponent of the electrified, Mississippi-to-Chicago blues style that was first made famous by Waters (Cotton played harp in Waters’ band for 12 years). The arrangement of the timeless song is made to sound as if it came from Slim’s own songbook. Waters’ Crosseyed Cat has also been Slim-ized to the point where you won’t recognize the song. If you think Hound Dog Taylor’s version of Give Me Back My Wig rocked, you’ll love Slim’s kick-butt interpretation that features the razor-sharp guitar of Lil’ Ed Williams. Little Milton’s Lonely Man sounds like it is being performed by producer/blues artist Nick Moss because Moss would perform it himself with the same raw Chicago Blues sound that Slim helped originate. Willie Dixon’s Spider In My Stew is a signature Slim tune for me because its one of the first Slim songs I ever heard. This rendition includes a familiar-sounding guitar solo courtesy of Lonnie Brooks. A couple of songs sound a bit out of place. The country rock of Going Down The Road Feeling Bad doesn’t naturally fit into Slim’s repertoire. Still, you will find yourself singing along during the chorus. Love songs aren’t usually associated with Slim but he nails Little Milton’s Loving You Is The Best Thing That Happened To Me. It is soulful and very happy sounding courtesy of Gene Barge (tenor sax) and the steaming Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings horn section.

Sure, many of the songs sound similar and only five were written by Slim. But I state that as an observation not as a criticism. When Chicago blues is performed this well, it should just be played over and over again. If Slim ever makes a bad record, it will be time for him to retire. Based on this fiery CD, Slim’s retirement remains light years away.

Review by Tim Holek, ChicagoBluesGuide.com

At 71, Magic Slim sounds as nasty and gritty as any bluesman you can name. He's one of the few Mississippi bluesmen who moved to Chicago in the early '50s still on the scene. His sound hasn't evolved much over the years – he still plays slide guitar without a slide, just his fingers slipping up and down the strings so he's able to bend notes while he slides – but it doesn't have to. His primal vocals, red-hot guitar work, and the supple backing of his Teardrops, Jon McDonald, guitar and vocals, Danny O'Conner, bass, and David Sims, drums, create the kind of deep bluesy feeling that can't be faked. On Midnight Blues he makes the most of every track, be it an original or a standard. He opens things with his own "Let Me Love You," a rockin' love song that showcases his stinging guitar and powerhouse vocals. Near the end of the tune he tosses off a brief, growling Howlin' Wolf imitation that'll bring a smile to you face. "Full Load Boogie" is an instrumental that moves like a freight train headed North with Slim and McDonald trading blistering solos. "Carla" is a slow drag, an ode to a faithless girlfriend, full of tortured blues notes. "What Is That You Got" is a slow, sly, sexy number with a long sultry solo, while "Cryin' Won't Let You Stay" is a rollicking goodbye song featuring Elvin Bishop on second guitar. Muddy Water's "You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had" is taken at a leisurely pace with James Cotton contributing one of his patented wailing solos. Slim pulls some country licks out of his bag for "Going Down That Road Feeling Bad," a folk song known by both white and black southerners. His unexpected rebel yells give the track a jaunty air. He closes the set with an R&B arrangement of Little Milton's "Loving You Is the Best Thing That Happened to Me" with a smoldering horn section and backing vocals by soul great Otis Clay.

Review by Allmusic.com

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Magic Slim & The Teardrops - Midnight Blues (2008)

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Magic Slim & The Teardrops - Midnight Blues (2008)

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Magic Slim & The Teardrops - Midnight Blues (2008)

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