In 1999, Telarc Records released "Homesick For The Road" a collaboration between Telarc recording artist Kenny Neal and rising stars Debbie Davies and Tab Benoit. By the time Telarc Records finally signed Tab Benoit in 2002 he had six previous recordings and had become a headliner. That year Telarc released Tab Benoit's "Wetlands" album which remains my favorite. Never afraid to experiment Tab released two "Whiskey Store" albums with Jimmy Thackery and also 2003's "Sea Saint Sessions". In 2005 Tab Benoit released the first of three "Heritage" albums, 2005's "Fever For The Bayou", last year's "Brother To The Blues", and now "Power of The Pontchartrain". This newest release follows on the heels of the 2006 Blues Music Awards where Tab won for both "Contemporary Blues Male Artist of The Year" and "Entertainer of The Year".

In our post Katrina society Tab Benoit has become politically ecological and determined to make a difference. He recorded a benefit cd "The Voice of The Wetlands" in support of the culture and wetlands of Southwest Louisiana. The "Power of The Pontchartrain" is a natural progression away from the Blues and more towards that of a "roots" artist. Blues fans may find themselves missing the rhythm section of Carl Dufresne and Daryl White for the less edgy Louisiana Leroux.

The album opens with the John Lee Faulkner-Carl William Smith penned "Don't Make No Sense". Highlights include two songs authored by Lafayette's David Egan. "Good To Ya'Baby", co-written by David with Buddy Flett, is a man's declaration after "breaking up". "One Foot In The Bayou" was written by David Egan while he was still a member of the group "File". Tab Benoit does these two songs with the conviction that we have come to expect and they are the best tracks on this album.

Tab's best guitar work is an interpretation of Stephen Stills "For What It's Worth". Also exciting is his version of Lonnie Johnson's "Somebody's Got to Go", and "Addicted". Tab gives us one of his more soulful vocals on "I'm Guilty of Lovin' You". "Sac-au-lait Fishing" written by Tab reminds me of a Johnny Horton song. Another highlight is the title track "Power of the Pontchartrain" written by Louisiana Leroux's bassist Leon Medica. Tab also covers two Julie Miller songs, the prayer like "Shelter Me" and the droning "Midnight and Lonesome".

There is less straight ahead Blues here and just like on "Brother To The Blues", Tab interprets songs by some of today's best songwriters. If you're a Tab Benoit fan you gotta have it.

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