DOUG MACLEOD
Dubb (Black and Tan)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Doug MacLeod's latest Black and Tan release, Dubb, takes its name from the nickname George 'Harmonica' Smith bestowed on MacLeod 'cause the elder bluesman couldn't (or wouldn't) pronounce Doug properly. No matter what you call this inspiring Southern California master of the National Reso-Phonic steel guitar, Dubb continues Doug MacLeod's stripped down and sparse exploration of the blues with a dozen original cuts that remain fresh from start to finish. When not touring, Doug hosts Nothing But the Blues on KKJZ Radio Los Angeles or keeps blues fans and blues musicians up to date in his monthly "Doug's Back Porch" column in Blues Revue. When I want to hear some heartfelt acoustic blues, I tend to turn to folks like Keb' Mo', John Hammond, or Doug MacLeod, and artists of this caliber carry the tradition of Honeyboy Edwards, Jesse Mae Hemphill or Robert Lockwood, Jr. Sample Dubb at the label's web site, www.black-and-tan.com, or www.doug-macleod.com. Standout cuts for me on this include "She Boogy'n" and "Have a Little Taste" for some rollicking piano courtesy of Carl "Sonny" Leyland, or "North County Woman" for Dubb's sweet, stinging slide guitar.

Track List:

(If You're Going To The) Dog House * Walkin' While I Bleed * She Boogy'n * The Sun Shine Down My Way * Dubb's Talkin' Politician Blues * Miss Rita * One Fool Show * $50 Wig * Have A Little Taste * Night Walking * North Country Woman * The Devil is Beating His Wife

© 2005 - Eric Steiner