Charlie Musselwhite has a new release, Delta Hardware. The Mississippi-born Musselwhite has been a fixture on the Blues scene with his dedicated Chicago grooves, always tasteful harp-work, and understated vocals. Winner of 18 W.C. Handy awards, six Grammy nominations, contributor to projects by Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper, Tom Waits, INXS, and many more, he has always found a way to create the real-deal and this release continues the streak.
But Do They Sell Harmonicas?
Musselwhite uses his touring band in this outing, keeping it simple and sweet. Joining Charlie are: Chris "Kid" Andersen on guitar, Randy Bermudes on bass, and June Core on drums. Though Andersen's tasteful guitar work compliments Musselwhite style perfectly, as the only player who overdubs, there's some confusion on some tracks resulting in the guitars stepping on each other. Bermudes and Core hold down solid grooves, keeping it simple and deep.
As a vocalist, Musselwhite's understated approach is reminicent of Roy Buchanan, who mostly sang just to give the guitar solos a break. In short, he ain't gonna get past the first round of American Idol. Church Is Out come up short vocally but no doubt Musselwhite's voice does work on his Blues canvas, and even gets a little muddy on Town To Town and One Of These Mornings. Charlie's harmonica is, as always, solid gold thoughout the record, and truly is the star of Delta Hardware.
The cover art of a classic Mississippi RC-and-a-Moonpie hardware store illustrates what you will find on tracks like Sundown, Blues For Yesterday and Just A Feeling. Hot, humid Mississippi juke joint Blues played like they're just down the street from that hardware store.
The surprising tracks are Invisible Ones, where Charlie joins the new crop of musical political statements with his perception of today's reality with real Blues for the real Blues of today, and Clarksdale Boogie where Musselwhite steps into the world of 21st century recording with samples and loops backing a rendition of his Blues classic. The latter proving computers and the Blues can mix when in the hands of true Bluesman.
Charlie Musselwhite has carved out a beautiful vision, approach, sound, and personality throughout his career and Delta Hardware continues his walk with real Blues. They must sell harmonicas at that hardware store.
