Erwin Helfer
"I'm Not Hungry But I Like To Eat - BLUES!"
The Sirens Records SR-5001

By Roger M. Spoto

My grandfather used to play boogie woogie piano and although I didn't know what I was listening to, I loved it. Haven't heard anything quite like it since he died in 1962…..until I heard this CD. Erwin Helfer's two-fisted attack will have you up and dancing from the opening tune "Swanee River Boogie" to Speckled Red's "Dirty Dozens" to a delicious duet with a great sax player (John Brumbach) on "The Sheik of Araby" to "Pooch Piddle", an original appropriately written for Erwin's dog (hard to tell who's the pianist on this cut). Helfer has been a fixture on the Chicago Blues scene for over 40 years and accompanied the wonderful Estelle 'Mama' Yancey (for whom he dedicates "Stella", a laid back tribute with backing from Brumbach). Helfer was classically trained but has the feel of the masters of the form while playing in a modern, breezy manner which bears his own imprint. Although 10 of the 15 cuts here are covers, you'll hear each of them in a completely different way. His characteristic tone, elegance and taste shine through on "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans" (you will after you've heard it) and "Homage to Pete Johnson" offers up left hand bass magic with amazingly dextrous runs that will put chills down your spine. Helfer has obviously been heavily influenced by Chicago's piano legends such as Jimmy Yancey, Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis, Otis Spann and Sunnyland Slim.
He now takes a place besides these giants with this magnificent album which should garner its share of awards this year. Although he performs in Chicago on a regular basis, you may not get to see him but you can buy this CD and hear him anytime - which will be often when the boogie seeps into your bloodstream.

Erwin is a certified national treasure and may be one of the best kept secrets in the world of music. Hopefully, my grandfather will be able to hear this CD. For a change, your grandson has something to play for you.