Old timer Johnnie Bassett had been juke jointing since Clinton was monogamous, just before he left for his eternal judgment and reward not too long ago. Here, on his last earthly recording, the Detroit landmark teams up with a cooking rhythm team called The Brothers Groove, The Motor City Horns, and various and sundry guests to put out some rib sticking blues that will keep the taste in your mouth for hours after the last bite. He sings and picks his guitar with authority on a pair of homages to his home town (“Proud To Be From Detroit” and “Motor City Blues”) sounds as loose and free as Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. The usual blues themes of booze and broads pop up on “Spike Boy” and “Let’s Get Hammered,’ while a couple of old tunes get polished like a 61 Caddy. Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary” sounds as ferocious as Kirk Gibson’s scowl, while “Cry To Me” is as heavy as Cecil Fielder’s girth. Lots to like in this meaty serving.
Sly Dog Records