JOHN MOONEY
Gone To Hell (Blind Pig)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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John Mooney's latest studio release on Blind Pig shows that this long-time New Orleans bluesman can shuffle and boogie loud enough with the volume turned down just a little bit. That don't mean he don't simmer like a good spicy gumbo, though. Mooney attacks his acoustic guitar on "Dry Spell Blues" and gets downright funky between the congas and his good-luck Mardi Gras beads on "Funky Arkansas." I hear a few of John's mentors on Gone To Hell, like Professor Longhair, Son House, or the Meters. The Good Doctor, Dr. John, the king of gris-gris, helps out on "How Long Blues" and on the uptempo "Grab A Hold," John and Dr. John work some great Louisiana magic together. There's not enough of Mooney on his National guitar, though. My favorite, the country blues of "Down South Blues" puts John Mooney right out front where he belongs: with his National guitar in front of Afred "Uganda" Roberts. If Mooney's Gone to Hell, I'll follow.

Track List:

Gone To Hell * No * That's What Lovers Do * Dry Spell Blues * Made Up My Mind * Funky Arkansas * Indian Lea * Wonder Blues * Glass House * Cypress Grove * How Long Blues * Grab A Hold * Down South Blues

© 2001 - Eric Steiner