The Phantom Blues Band originated as Taj Mahal's backup band and can be heard on several Taj Mahal cd's most notably "Shoutin' In Key, Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band Live". They have won two Grammy Awards and a 2001 Blues Music Award as "Band of The Year". The band consists of Rhythm and Blues veterans whose credentials are too many to mention here. It is their collective musicianship that makes this one of the year's most exciting albums. They are Johnny Lee Schell, guitar & vocal; Mike Finnigan, organ, piano and vocals; Joe Sublett, sax; Danny Freeman, guitar; Larry Fulcher, bass & vocal; Darrell Leonard, trumpet; and Tony Braunagel, drums.

Opening with The Meters, "Do The Dirt", one is immediately impressed with their cohesiveness. The next track is Lowell Fulson's "My Aching Back" and we begin to appreciate their versatility. The horn arrangement on "Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?" is exceptionally notable. They seem to be able to tackle anything, they like.

"I Only Have Love" is the Syl Johnson song. "Rain Down Tears" has been recorded by Hank Ballard and The Midnighters and also by Levon Helm & The RCO Allstars. "I'm Looking for a Miracle" was written by Jesse Winchester, while "Big Boy Pete" was a hit for The Olympics. "Let Them Talk" was recorded by Little Willie John. Their eclecticism has no bounds.

Then they cover The Heptones "Book of Rules", possibly one of the greatest reggae tunes ever recorded. Music should be about discovery and clearly they are. "Havana Moon" is a Chuck Berry tune previously covered by Santana. "Part Time Love" is a blues standard performed by many including Otis Rush. "Think" is the Jimmy McCracklin tune. "Yield Not to Temptation", is the Bobby Blue Bland classic, while "Baby Doll" is a Mike Finnegan original. The closer "Mary Ann" was written by Ray Charles. The Phantom Blues Band is the most welcome new band I've heard this year. Visit their website at www.phantombluesband.com for their tour dates and information.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com