Mississippi Mud - With their live session, singer/guitarist Scottie Blinn and harpist Eric "Jailhouse" Von Herzen explore the Delta roots of blues. boogie woogie, and rock 'n' roll. Theirs is a "take no prisoners" form of story tellin' blues that can sweep an audience off its feet. No one goes home unaffected. Dancin' in their seats, this audience is treated to a rompin' stompin' party steeped in the history of American rock 'n' roll. Blinn's guitar work brings back '50's memories while his gruff singing style bites hard at the ropes. He's an emotional rocker. Von Herzen colors each track with "old school" Mississippi Delta low moans.

The band's thigh-slapping rhythms and enthusiastic wails were performed live in Tijuana before an enthusiastic audience. But that's just the first half of the album. The remainder comes from a knockout studio session that has captured every nuance from the band and leaders. An even balance between fresh originals and memorable classics makes this one a delight. "Fender Bender", "Lonesome Road", and "All Ya Need" add just as much color and history as do "Folsom Prison Blues", "Don't Lose Your Cool", and "Evenin' Sun". Mississippi Mud leaves a lasting impression that spans the years from oppressed field hollers to the kind of Saturday night party time fun found in either century.

~~Jim Santella