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May 2001 Vol. 5 No. 6
 
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Artist Big Bill Morganfield
Title Ramblin' Mind
Label Blind Pig
Reviewer Richard Proplesch
Rating
Even though it registers about half a octave lower, Big Bill's voice is so unmistakably similar to his dad's - with its rare mingling of self-respecting pride and overwhelming, heart-numbing anguish - that these blues actually sound noble. Naturally, when your last name is Morganfield, people expect a dynasty from Muddy Waters' boy. And having spent the better portion of his '99 debut, "Rising Son," linking up to those family ties, the justly-titled "Ramblin' Mind" establishes a few stylistic differences between the congenial guitarist/vocalist and his old man.

Like the uptown sophistication that greets "Trace Of You," having Big Bill belt the scales with a robust feeling where his dad might have sounded more weathered. Or the spectacular diction on display for "Dirty Dealin’ Mama," accounting for every double-dealin’ detail, where Muddy might have slurred the hurt. Big Bill even turns the mic over to the legendary Taj Mahal for a couple tunes, guesting along with guitarist Bob Margolin, harpist Paul Oscher, and a cameo from piano player Pinetop Perkins. A dazzling second effort.


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© 2001 AMZ, Robert R. Lewis