Mud Morganfield – Deep Mud
This is the label debut of the acclaimed son of legendary blues singer Muddy Waters. But instead of singing the praises of his bloodline, it’s the individual vocal work of Mud Morganfield that needs to be focused on. Here we have 14 Chicago blues sparks that spill like raindrops from this energetic unit. What Mud inherited from Muddy Waters is definitely the intonation, phrasing & tone that the master possessed so richly in his classic songs. Mud encapsulates these marvelous traits & captures the spirit not only of his father’s work but the genre his father embraced.
This is what blues structure is supposed to motivate through the lyric, music & interpretation. There’s always a story being told & it isn’t about celebrating but relating – hardship, heartbreak, sorrow, unvarnished tales, love’s lost & love faded. The musical notes on Deep Mud (Drops Sept 26/Nola Blue Records/68:35) were produced pristinely by Studebaker John (harmonica) with horn arrangements by Phil Perkins (trumpet).
There’s nimble-fingered blues piano (Sumito Ariyo Ariyoshi) woven into the aggressive “Big Frame Woman” showcase. Many of these pieces are rooted in a vintage blues presentation & despite the sharp musicianship, it’s not drenched in showboating or pyrotechnics. The atmosphere, mood & a noirish presence (“Strange Woman”) are paramount to the ambient dynamic of the music.
Now, while not all tunes are downers, a more upbeat blues arrives with a well-oiled rhythm section on “She’s Getting Her Groove On.” This would have been a chart hit in the ‘60s & would’ve given Motown a run for its money. Closer in tradition to Taj Mahal if he were backed by Arthur Conley’s hot ‘60s band (“Sweet Soul Music”) Mud lays down a wonderful groove & you can hear an entertaining thread in his tone.
Blues, for the most part, aren’t joyous songs or showbiz. They’ve become show business staples over the years, but the topics often sung about are not rooted in happiness. Many are tragic. They’re stories about real people, & their circumstances. A vocalist must have a tinge of authenticity, or it won’t be convincing.
“Ernestine” is a hot, delicate expression of love with a desperate ingredient. Mud spells it out with a hungry vocal as a grown man with adolescence burning still in the pores of his skin narrates with poignancy. This is an impressive performance. Dipping his finger into a more mainstream groove, Mud conjures the “Cosigner Man.” A little more soulful backup, tasty piano, sweet trumpet, & a funky undertow. Mud sings with John Lee Hooker’s deep perception. Cool running’s for sure.
Highlights – “Bring Me My Whiskey,” “Big Frame Woman,” “Strange Woman,” “She’s Getting Her Groove On,” “Ernestine,” “Cosigner Man,” “Carolina,” & “Country Boy.”
Musicians – Mud (bass on “Strange Woman”), Rick Kreher & Mike Weaver (guitars), Melvin Carlisle (drums), E.G. McDaniel (bass), Roosevelt Purifoy (piano/organ), Rodrigo Mantovani (upright bass), Felicia Collins, Kristen Lowe, Jacole Avent & Demetrias M. Hall (background vocals).
Cover photo courtesy of Roman Sobus. CD @ Apple + Amazon & https://www.mudmorganfieldblues.com/