BOO BOO DAVIS
The Snake (Black and Tan)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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James "Boo Boo" Davis' third Black and Tan outing should get this St. Louis-based drummer some well-deserved recognition. His first two records for this boutique blues label out of the Netherlands are also first-class (East St. Louis and Can Man). Boo Boo began his blues career as a child, playing drums with his family band, the Lard Can Band. This outfit included Boo Boo on a makeshift drum consisting of a lard can, plus his father, Sylvester, his brother Sylvester Jr., younger brother John and sister Clara. Boo Boo and his family backed up B. B. King early in his career, and Boo Boo went on to sit in with the likes of Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller), Elmore James, Little Milton, and Little Walter. In the 70's and 80's, Davis and his brothers Sylvester and John formed another family band that was house band at Tabby's Red Room in East St. Louis, playing every weekend from 2 to 6 in the morning. I can't think of a better blues apprenticeship in East St. Louis than that. Check out Boo Boo Davis on the Black and Tan website: www.crossroads.nl/blacktan/. Boo Boo's releases may take a little work to find, but you'll find this blues journey of discovery worthwhile. You can also hear Boo Boo's work on fellow St. Louis bluesman Arthur Williams' debut on Fedora Records, Harpin' On It.

Track List:

Don't Bother My Shoes * Mountain Top * Leave It Alone * Crown Royal * The Snake * Mike in Jail * Where Was My Baby? * Moley Man * Keep Your Car Locked * Shut That Door * Riplin * Sure Had a Wonderful Time

© 2004 - Eric Steiner