PETER GREEN
Hot Foot Powder (Snapper)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The story is well known by now. After years away from the scene, guitarist Peter Green was inspired to pick up his instrument by the acoustic versions of Robert Johnson songs his friend Nigel Watson played for him. They formed a group and started gigging, got into the studio and eventually produced The Robert Johnson Songbook, which scored Comeback Of The Year honors at the 1999 W.C. Handy Awards.

Green and Watson are back, along with The Splinter Group, for another round of Johnson songs, and the result is every bit as satisfying as before. Green's affection for this music is poured into every track and he seems much more comfortable in this setting than he ever did in his "guitar god" role in the original Fleetwood Mac. This time out, though, the mix is enhanced by the presence of several guest artists. The overall quality of Green's work, and the overall level of esteem he retains in the blues community, is reflected by the impressive roster of performers that signed on for this project.

How about Dr. John, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, Honey Boy Edwards, Joe Louis Walker and Otis Rush? If you're not impressed, well, you just don't like the blues, I guess. Hell, Honeyboy played gigs with Robert Johnson himself, so if this wasn't the shit, he wouldn't be here.

I wonder if the W.C. Handy Awards people have a "Stayed Back Of The Year" award? Maybe they'll have to invent one when they hear Hot Foot Powder.

Track List:

I'm A Steady Rollin' Man * From Four Until Late * Dead Shrimp Blues * Little Queen Of Spades * They're Red Hot * Preachin' Blues * Hell Hound On My Trail * Traveling Riverside Blues * Malted Milk * Milkcow's Calf Blues * Drunken Hearted Man * Cross Road Blues * Come On In My Kitchen

© 2000 - Shaun Dale