CHICAGO BLUES HARMONICA PROJECT
Diamonds in the Rough (Severn Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Take six world-class harmonica men, add the Chicago Bluesmasters as backup, and you've got a jewel of a harmonica-fueled Chicago blues CD. Dusty Brown, Omar Coleman, Russ Green, Larry Cox, the late Harmonica Khan #1 and Little Addison do harmonica blues proud through 12 strong cuts on this innovative Severn Records CD. Dusty Brown's recently returned to the Chicago blues scene. Prior to relocating down South, Dusty made his mark at his Dusty's Lounge in Chicago Heights, while Omar Coleman moonlights with John Primer from time to time. Like Omar, Russ Green is part of a younger generation of talented bluesmen, and the Chicago Blues Harmonica Project does a nice job of handing down a blues legacy to a younger generation of players. Larry Cox' resume includes stints with Lewis and Dave Myers as well as longstanding club dates at Theresa's and the Checkerboard Lounge. Little Addison worked with Elmore James in the late 50's, and led his own 10-piece unit in the 60's, and later was part of the thriving West Side scene that included Jimmy Dawkins, Willie Kent, Freddie King, Luther Allison and Piano Red. Diamonds in the Rough features blues elders at the top of their game as they mentor a younger generation worthy to walk (and blow some pretty mean harp) in their shadows.

Track List:

I Got to Go * Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone * How Many More Years * Mean Old World * Baby What You Want Me to Do * Look on Yonder Wall * He Don't Love You * Goin' to New York * New Time You See Me * Everything's Gonna Be Alright * Respect Me * You Don't Love Me

© 2005 - Eric Steiner