Known for their work with famed soul-blueser Bobby Rush, the band Blinddog Smokin’ jumps out into the limelight with an impressively hot disc of their own. Lead by Carl Gustafson’s vocals and harp, the team of Chalo Ortiz/g, Rolland Pritzker/b, “Chicago” Chuck Gullens/dr, Mo Beeks/key and backing vocalists Linda Gustafson & Chris White, the band comes across as a southern version of Tower of Power. Hip funk permeates pieces like the dagger sharp “Pimp Shoes” and “Lady’s Playin’” while Gustafson careens out an impressive harp solo on the penetrating “If I Died Today.” Some Tom Waits-inspired singing and instrumentation occasionally gets into the picture as on “Don’t Put No Money On Me”and a hint of church choir gets you into the spirit of things on “Tell “em Reprise.” Fun, funky and a twinkle in the eye are prevalent on this disc to get you dancing.
Silver Talon Records