Charlie Musselwhite – Look Out Highway
The name is familiar to followers of Delta & Chicago blues. After all, Clarksdale, Mississippi’s Charlie Musselwhite (vocals/harmonica/guitar) has been a 15-time Grammy nominee, a 2014 Grammy Award winner, a 33-time Blues Music Award winner & was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. He also performed at the White House. Not bad.
It may have something to do with how authentically Mr. Musselwhite has conveyed his music & maintained an illustrious career that began in 1966. This new 11-track set was paved smoothly in San Jose, CA & Clarksdale, MS for Look Out Highway (Drops May 16/Forty Below Records/39:56).
Produced by Chris Andersen (guitar/piano/organ), Gary Vincent & Henri Musselwhite. What’s impressive in this showcase is how pristinely it’s recorded. Charlie isn’t a gruff blues vocalist – he has good accentuation & an abundance of blues savviness in his experienced tone. The lead track, “Look Out Highway,” is exceptional. “Sad Eyes” percolates. What’s covered admirably is the entire gamut of the blues tradition. “Storm Warning” has a John Lee Hooker flavor but not a Canned Heat distillation. Charlie’s drive is wonderfully captured, wailing on his signature harmonica.
Of course, there are links & similarities to the mid-60s Paul Butterfield Blues Band. But I find Charlie’s vocals to be stronger, bluesier & edgier while Butterfield’s band was more focused on the dynamics of the twin guitars. Charlie reaches further than most blues artists do. They seem to be more occupied with sonics & showmanship that tread on being blasé despite their fine musicianship. The late John Mayall, Long John Baldry & the late John Campbell had this. Charlie’s authenticity is in his intonation, tone & phrasing – it may simply be from his upbringing. He soaked it up like Elvis. Younger blues singers seem to not have this, or don’t practice it. It’s a feeling, a presence from the soul accentuated & stabbed along with his harmonica that always sparks the air.
At 81, Mr. Musselwhite sounds like a man whose batteries are charged & his experience is fully activated. There’s not a single misstep here. For excitement, spin “Ready For Times To Get Better” with the steamy voice of Edna Luckett with CM.
What a cool grandfather Charlie would be. His CD comes in a 4-panel package, deserving of a revered & respected musician.
Highlights – “Look Out Highway,” “Sad Eyes,” “Storm Warning,” “Highway 61,” “Ready For Times To Get Better,” “Ramblin’ Is My Game” & “Open Road.”
Musicians – Matt Stubbs (guitar), Chris Andersen (guitar/piano/organ), Randy Bermudes (bass), June Core (drums/percussion) & Al Kapone (vocals: “Ghosts In Memphis”).
Front cover CD photo: Rory Earnshaw. Car photo: Rory Doyle. CD @ Amazon & https://fortybelowrecords.com/store-bU6aL/p/look-out-highway-musselwhite & https://www.charliemusselwhite.com/revered-blues-legend-charlie-musselwhite-the-legendary-charlie-musselwhite-announces-upcoming-album-release-look-out-highway/
Enjoy our interview with Charlie here: Key to the Highway: Charlie Musselwhite
