SHORT TAKE REVIEWS
by Roger M. Spoto

"Blues StopKnockin'" by Lazy Lester
(Texas Music Group/Antones TMG/ANT 0051)

Don't let the name fool you. He's got a lively harp and his riffs are crisp and articulate. Covers of Jimmy Reed and Slim Harpo are right on target and his swamp Blues sound will entice you. Excellent.


"Live in Europe" by Sista Monica
(Mo Muscle Records MMRE-716)

One of the best Blues belters in the business, Sista Monica blows out the Belgium Rhythm 'N Blues Festival 2000 with fury and finesse. Check out "Stop Talkin' Bout Me Stalkin' You" and "Get Out My Way!" for proof. Backed by a rock solid band, this Sista is sizzlin'. An exceptional live recording.


"Love Gangsta" by Bill Coday
(Ecko Records ECD1042)

Veteran hoochie man Coday is smooth as silk with vocals that will appeal to the ladies. Imagine what the live performance will be like of his "If I Can't Cut The Mustard (I Can Still Lick Around The Jar)'. Not adventurous but filling. Good production.


"24/7" by Rick Lawson
(Ecko Records ECD1039)

The self-described 'Baby of the Blues' is a fine R&B vocalist and a cross between early versions of Johnnie Taylor and Bobby Bland. This 'baby' has a mature sound with good range and emotive power to make his bones. A fine start.


"Kickin' It!" by Peg Leg Sam
(32 Blues 32211)

Think that Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller) and Little Walter could never be touched? Try Peg Leg Sam, who spent much of his career playing harp and telling stories at carnivals, tent shows, circuses and medicine shows. Born Arthur Jackson, Sam was a genius - an inventive harp player whose massive runs, humor and style is a lost art. Every cut here is a winner. Listen to the astounding "Peg's Fox Chase" with no over-dubs and the hysterical story lines in "Born In Hard Luck". This is a CD that should be in your collection and enjoyed often. A must buy.


"Sheba" by Sheba Potts-Wright
(Ecko Records ECD1043)

Here's a lady whose voice entices rather than powers it way to your soul. Sheba needs more up-tempo tunes to complete the deal. She sings "young girls got it goin' on" and we'll see if her next outing has it "goin' on." Promising.


"On Q" by Quinn Golden
(Ecko Records ECD1043)

A soul/blues singer with a touch of grit and a distinctive approach to R&B who stretches one-syllable words into a whole sentence. A clean, lush production with no junk in his trunk, Golden is a polished performer who delivers with an ease beyond the reach of most vocalists.