OMAR AND THE HOWLERS
Boogie Man (Ruf Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Nearly 30 years ago, Kent Dykes (frontman Omar of Omar and the Howlers) left McComb, Mississippi for more musical opportunities in Austin, Texas. Since then, he's grown into a very popular bluesman, not only in around Austin's Sixth Street club scene but around the world as well. One thing's for certain, though: Mississippi is in Omar's blood. His new CD, Boogie Man, on Germany's Ruf label, starts off with a spot-on tribute to the Boogie Man himself, John Lee Hooker. Guitarist Chris Duarte and Omar keep John Lee's deceptively simple chords moving right along into a groove that the late Boogie Man would have enjoyed. Although there's 11 fine slices of blues on this CD, I keep playing "Boogie Man" and "Mississippi Mud." "Mississippi Mud" is my favorite in this set, and if that doesn't land on nearly every blues radio playlist in the land, I will be very, very surprised 'cause it takes in the world of electric blues with some forceful slide guitar and brings us right back to the intersection of Omar's stomping grounds, routes 98 and 51 in Macomb. Omar's been a recording artist for over 22 years, and he's still playing live over 150 nights a year. I don't often ask readers to buy records, but here's why I'm going to make an exception in Omar's case: Omar's wife Lyn is just 44 years old and has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As of September 18th, she's back home, and I know that the entire family would appreciate your prayers, in addition to your purchase of this CD.

Track List:

Boogie Man * Bamboozled * Stone Cold Blues * White Crosses * Drowning In Love * ShakinŽ * Right There In The Rain * Bad In A Good Way * That's Just My Life * Mississippi Mud * All The Love We Can Stand

© 2004 - Eric Steiner