Mike Henderson – Last Nite at the Bluebird – Live
This is the late Grammy-Award winner & 4-time nominee Mike Henderson’s (vocals/guitar) collection of multitrack recordings captured live over his 30+ years performing at Nashville’s Bluebird Café.
His stay at the Bluebird began in 1984 & he performed Monday nights consistently, where his gravelly voice, slide guitar & guest musicians entertained for nearly 4 decades. Over his career, Mike (1953-2023) issued 5 studio albums. This set showcases 9 exciting pieces for Last Nite at the Bluebird – Live (Dropped July 11/Qualified Records/44:17). The opening piece “Weepin’ & Moanin’” is an original projected with gutsy vocals almost similar to the late John Campbell, who had a deep graveyard shift vocal with his blues & lead guitar stabs. Along with sprightly piano & bass thumps, Henderson lays down some solid blues.
This set is mostly for purists & fans since there’s some stage patter that will make the recording more nostalgic for aficionados & makes some of these alien to those not familiar with the Bluebird & Henderson’s loyal, rowdy & appreciative audience. It does sound like he produced fun shows.
“Matchbox” is the rollicking original by Blind Lemon Jefferson & not the reshaped Carl Perkins rockabilly hit. This has a heavy-duty piano that gives it both barrels in a Jerry Lee Lewis manner courtesy of the nimble-fingered Kevin McKendree (piano/production). Henderson & his mates dole out the blues in a way that verifies their pedigree.
Without losing momentum, Mike skids into “Too Much Alcohol” & the band falls in energetically. So, in essence, the playing is exceptional & Mike has an acute blues presence. However, he’s not in the same wheelhouse as the giants (Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johnny Winter, B.B. King, Mike Bloomfield, etc.) because there’s no signature sound on display.
His repertoire is made up of a variety of “blues sounds,” some polished & some reckless, but always entertaining. Mike was a blues entertainer. His attraction is how well he manages these paths…usually with skill, vigor, & a faithfulness to the genre.
Fortunately, on close listen, Mike utilizes good phrasing & intonation throughout his lyrical blues drive. He accentuates the right words & spotlights his musicians respectfully. “When I Get Drunk” is a rollicking tune, but it has its sloppy moments. Part of the charm of a live show. McKendree’s piano is a speedboat riding above the surface of the water. Mike’s leads on this tune stab. It’s still an impressive showcase.
The harmonica sweep of “Have a Good Time” is nothing that Canned Heat, Duster Bennett & John Mayall haven’t done. But Mike asserts himself well on this old-fashioned blues. He lights the fire with the “Pay Bo Diddley” workout. No one went to the restroom during this song.
The 4-panel die cut CD package is a limited edition & includes liner notes by Gregg Wetzel.
Highlights – “Weepin’ & Moanin,’” “Matchbox,” “Too Much Alcohol,” “When I Get Drunk,” “Have a Good Time,” & “Pay Bo Diddley.”
Musicians –Steve MacKey (bass) & Pat O’Connor (drums).
B&W image courtesy of Mike’s website photo gallery. CD @ Bandcamp, Apple & Amazon + https://mikehenderson.com/
