There used to be something called “The Chittlin’ Circuit.” It was a tour of various mid-lower class towns that liked the music basic, bluesy and a bit on the rough side. Guys like Bobby Rush made a living on those towns; but for the most part they are a thing of the past. If you’ve ever seen Rush in concert, you know it’s not for the faint of heart; yes there is music, but there’s also a bluesy bawdiness with a wink in the eye that lets you know he’s just havin’ fun with ya.’
This latest album is a vintage blue plate of Rush’s meat and potatoes. Slinky soul, basic blues and stories about babes, broads and bruises. Rush still plays a nasty harp, and can grown with the best on “I Don’t Want Nobody Hanging Around” and with Vasti Jackson can get some red clay under your fingernails on “Porcupine Meat.” Joe Bonamassa brings in his six strings for a soulful ballad on “Me, Myself and I,” while Dave Alvin joins in on a slinky “It’s Your Move.” Some horns and guitars boogie on “Catfish Stew” and Bobby goes bare footin’ as the horns bring you to the dance floor on “Standing On Shaky Ground.” A smoky B3 joins with Keb Mo on an easy going down of “Nighttime Gardener,” and the album closes with you sitting on a rural back porch with Rush’s harp on “I’m Tired.” They broke the mold after this guy.