March 25, 2005

SHOW REVIEW

Good Friday, shoot -- it was a Great Friday. If you weren't at the Cabooze on Friday night, you missed one of the best live blues shows to visit the Twin Cities in quite some time. Certainly one of the most entertaining, and easily one of the most fun. A few years ago I was spotted in the crowd by a local bluesman who promptly proclaimed, "There's Newman, out rolling around trying to find the real Blues". Well on this particular night, Newman scored.

It was a night of the old and the new, only this night found the new playing the old, and vice versa. Enter the new in the form of Daniel "Slick" Ballinger. A humble and quiet young man -- barely 20 -- from North Carolina by way of Panola County, Mississippi. He delivers a style of Blues not often played on today's blues stages, but certainly remembered. Blues the way they were meant to be played, as Slick says -- and he plays them very, very well. It's a strange feeling to hear a sound so authentically old and original emanating from one so young, but there it is.

His history and his training provide the pedigree. While others of his generation spend their time honing their best Stevie Ray licks, Daniel Ballinger was being called in a different direction -- to the hill country of Mississippi. Traveling the gravel roads of the South, Slick cut his teeth playing in the storied juke joints, at family picnics, and in the sanctified churches -- all at the side of the legendary musicians who know the history of the blues best. Days and nights with Otha Turner, playing alongside the likes of Pinetop Perkins, T-Model Ford, Hubert Sumlin, and Jessie Mae Hemphill -- soaking up style like a sponge.

Slick knows all about the history of the blues greats -- who they were, how they played, and where many are buried -- quite simply put, Blues College. Young Mr. Ballinger has taken the flavors of Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Mississippi Fred McDowell among others and melded them into a sweet soul/blues stew that is all his own. A big slice of gospel influence adds the fine wine that goes with the meal.

On this night, Slick is backed by no less experience than Kinney Kimbrough (one of Jr.'s boys) on drums, and legendary Blind Mississippi Morris on harp. Fresh from opening for B.B.King a few days earlier, this unusual power trio appears more at home amidst the noise pressure of this bar than they did with Mr. King at the cavernous Orchestra Hall. The crowd at the Cabooze was undoubtedly part of the Tommy Castro Band's large and loyal local fan base, but Slick, Kinney and Mr. Morris were the perfect appetizer for the main event.

Playing much of their own music, from the start they lifted tonight's crowd off their feet like members of the church at a revival. Raising them up, setting them down, and raising them back up again. Kinney Thunderfoot Kimbrough providing the big bass drum and popping his snare sharp -- like a .38 special was being fired in the place. Blind Mississippi Morris playing his harp to provide that relentless sound like a freight train was running through the place (not light rail). Slick's fine guitar work providing a wonderful backdrop for the power of a vocal style that raises the hair on the back of your neck -- that haunting, mournful wail of old, punctuated by the slightest quiver -- a gift from the Lord, perfected with the help of the women in the church choir -- as Slick puts it.

These three gifted musicians came together on stage not by hours and hours of practice together, but by an emotional connection that is almost eerie, almost channeled -- each of them can feel how it should be played. An amazing set, a wonderful gift, and a rare treat.

With the crowd still buzzing from the opening act, the Tommy Castro Band took the stage at promptly 10:30, and immediately blew the roof off. With the strength of a local fan base jumping from wall to wall, veteran bluesman Tommy Castro played the new blues for this group who knows him so well. Playing a combination of old favorites from past efforts and several songs from their critically acclaimed new CD Soul Shaker, they had the room rocking from start to finish. This accomplished band gives every indication that they have arrived -- ready to receive the attention they have worked so hard for, and the recognition they so richly deserve.

Each time I get to watch this band perform I gain a new appreciation for the work and dedication that provides their polish. They are very clearly one of the blue scenes preeminent touring bands, earning the praises of critics, and a growing fan base wherever they go. As I have mentioned in these pages before, this band is a real team, always together. Tommy Castro out front, commanding stage presence, powerful guitar work with a wonderful vocal style -- Tommy makes his audiences feel comfortable and welcome, like they are guests in his home for a party and in this he is the host with the most.

Keith Crossan never ceases to amaze me. I've seen him a dozen times or more and he hasn't hit a bad note on that sax yet, not even slightly off. I think Keith is arguably one of the best saxophone players in blues -- pretty accomplished on the flute too as tonight's crowd witnessed when the band played Crossanova, a slice off their aforementioned Soul Shaker disc.

Randy McDonald's solid bass lines and vocals were in evidence this night too. I've noticed that when Randy sings, it's always a fun song -- always a song the crowd loves, made better by his rapid-fire delivery of the lines. Chris Sandoval's rhythm on the drums provides the solid foundation for this highflying, high-energy blues band.

Like a wonderful meal, a great show should always end with a good dessert. Tonight's something sweet was provided in the form of a brief appearance on stage by Ruf recording artist Bernard Allison, who played the last song and ensuing encore with Tommy and Band -- just another Easter present from the Bunny who provided Twin Cities fans with a fabulous night of top flight live Blues.

The new and the old, the old and the new -- a very special night of blues indeed. Happy Birthday Tommy Castro, and Happy Easter to Twin Cities Blues fans -- hope you enjoyed this tremendous blues show -- your gift for supporting live blues. Personally, I think these two bands should be touring together full time -- they are a delightfully potent cocktail served together -- something for everyone -- even Newman.