|
 It’s
not very often that a bass man fronts a Blues band, but Mac Arnold
is one of those few exceptions. Mac began his long history in the
Blues back in 1966 when he joined the legendary Muddy Waters band as
part of the rhythm section. Not long after that initiation, Mac
found himself recording with Otis Spann, Tyrone Davis and John Lee
Hooker. In the last few years Mac Arnold is still provin’ his
musical value in the Blues world especially with his most recent
album, “Nothin’ To Prove”, a statement that pretty well sums
up that legacy, as he’s been there.
Mac’s singin’ is not the most dynamic I’ve ever heard, but
damn, he sure knows how to belt out those Blues! Along with his
sidemen, Plate Full O’ Blues, Max Hightower; harp, slide guitar
and piano, Austin Brashier; guitars, Mark McMakin; bass and Mike
Whitt; drums and special guests Rudy “Blue Shoes” Wyatt on
piano, plus Jim Peterson on the Hammond B3 organ, this band
definitely delivers up some simple straight to the point Blues!
Mac and the boys wrote all the tunes and not many songs are in the
hurtin’ love category, but they are about the Blues. You can ‘t
help but get into this record as the band let’s you know right
away that they are here to play those “Blues For You”. The title
track is up next and Mac will let you know why he has “Nothin’
To Prove”. Hey woman is your man on the run; well it’s time to
“Call Mac Arnold” for some fun. There are a lot of questions to
be answered on “I Don’t Know Why”. Mac, Rudy and Max go down
and dirty on “(Get On) Back To The Country”, an acoustic number.
The funky Blues are presented in the musical life experience song
”Ghetto Blue”. Another life story is told in “Going Back
Home”. Everybody knows about rumours, and “The Truth” lets you
experience them. The slow Blues of “She’s So Mean To Me” gives
you a hint of Mac’s woman problems. The final cut “(Get On) Back
To The Country” – Part 2” was recorded live and is a juke
joint number with Max slidin’ raunchy on the guitar… what a way
to close out this set!
Just a suggestion here! Have a listen to this album late at nite
after a few cold ones, you know, when there’s nothin’ more to
prove from the day. You’ll be served up some fine straight-ahead
and old-school Blues by Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues.
Eddy
B
For
more on Mac Arnold, check out: www.macarnold.com
Jeez, there’s even a few pictures on Mac’s website of him playin’
a homemade bass guitar where the body is actually made from a small
travelin’ suitcase!
|
