Blues CD Review
Elmore James Jr.
Title: Daddy Gave me the Blues
Label: JSP Records
Producer: Cadillac Zack
Management: American Blues Legends Management(Los Angeles)
Elmore James Jr., yes the son of the slide guitar great Elmore James has been shouting out—bad pun there—the blues with his Daddy’s distinct voicings both with his distinct voicings in his vocals and guitar stylings. Yet, has developed his own unique vintage and modern blues styling. Some people think I don’t what the hell I’m writing about, and that may be true to some point, but I ignore it all and write about the blues which is the best music—period.
Since I’m so honest with my readers from Canadian Guitar Player; I didn’t really come across Elmore James Junior until recently, which is bad on my part, since a big part of Canadian Guitar Player is writing about and for blues artists. No excuses here fellow blues lovers. I came across Cadillac Zack a blues artist from Los Angeles who manages Elmore James Jr. and runs American Blues Legends Management Agency.
Zack also produced and played on Elmore’s Daddy Gave me the Blues giving it a modern blues twist and a feel for the blues era when Elmore James Sr. gave us his blues.
Elmore Jr. hit the club circuit way back in 1965 when Elmo was in his early 20’s and hooked up with the blues luminary Willie Dixon for a short time. Elmore was a great vocal find for many blues artists, and labels as a sideman and session player with the (Ace) label, and set out and recorded a live gig three years ago.
Elmore James Junior is now playing the club circuit in California and nationally, as well as Internationally in France at the Cognac Blues Passions Festival in July. Elmore’s Daddy Gave me the blues is just the start for the veteran of the blues wars in the 60’s to today’s blues which has come a long way, even if it still holds only a niche market in music.
Elmore James and the Broom Dusters Blues Band consists of Bass player Tom Landis,
David Lenef and Cadillac Zack on guitar. Jimmy D is on drums and Sexy Jamie belts it out as a guest vocalist and Willie Young on Tenor Sax.
Daddy gave me the Blues Review:
Elmore James Jr. and the Broom Dusters Blues band gives blues lovers another album damn fine blues with a penchant for the vintage, yet a yen for the blues of today. I’ll get right into this blues bonanza. I gotta cut out the puns. nah.
Going Back Home (Electric Version)
Is a tight blues guitar track with both a Chicago and down home blues feel. Elmore plays a Gibson axe with clean blues lines that are better than a Fender. Personal choice I guess. This album is produced by Cadillac Zack who also manages Elmore.
Norma Rae:
Elmore’s vocals in this blues laden tune, has a distinctive California blues tinge that reminds me of Southside Slim and his vocal style. I wrote articles and bio material for Slim and definitely feel the two are similar in their vocals which when applied to guitar and bass make you think you’re listening to an instrument.
Elmore’s blues is not so much technically adept, but fun and makes you want to go see the man play anywhere. Just a suggestion. You might actually enjoy it.
Tore Down:
Blues Rock with innovative licks and Jazz infused lines. Very creative blues with slight changes that are all Elmore Jr, and senior would be proud.
I’ll Get You:
Thoughtful phrasing with a surprising Big-Band like mixture on horn and drums, that most real blues lovers would not exactly like, Including me. But guitar lines are nailed down like a shot-gun blast on rhythm and lead guitar work, in a blues like manner that gives guitar lovers the desire to listen again. At least to the pure blues aspect of this song and album.
Thanks to Cadillac Zack for steering me toward Elmore James Jr. and the Broom Dusters Blues Band. For more listening pleasure of Elmo’s Daddy Gave me the Blues, go to:
http://www.elmorejamesjr.com
To book or contact Elmore James Jr. for an interview:
Cadillac Zack: scbluessociety@aol.com
Cadillac Zack American Blues Legends Management
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