Shadow of the Blues

by Little Charlie & the Nightcats

Overview

Little Charlie & the Nightcats' seventh album for Alligator found the group at the top of its game, sharp songwriting combining with the expert playing of a group that has spent years on the road honing its craft. Rick Estrin's sleazy used-car-salesman-as-blues-singer persona comes shining through on his originals "Never Trust a Woman," "New Old Lady," and "Big and Fat," while Charlie Baty's guitar mastery is brought to the fore on the dazzling instrumental "Percolatin'." The title track is a great minor-key slow late-night piece, full of atmosphere and sporting great chromatic harp work from Estrin and a jazzy break from Baty. Down-home award-winner goes to the only cover on board, Arthur "Big Boy" Spires' "Murmur Low," which also features Estrin in the rare role of second guitarist. As always, the rhythm section of Ronnie James Weber on bass and June Core on drums provides swinging support throughout, and the addition on certain tracks of Jimmy Pugh on piano and organ is most welcome. The result is another solid album of modern-day blues served up by one of the genre's best working bands. ~ Cub Koda

Product Details

Release Date:	10/13/1998
Label:	Alligator Records / Agogo
UPC:	0014551486220
Rank:	118499

Tracks

1. Never Trust a Woman
2. New Old Lady
3. When Your Woman Is Gone
4. You Got Your Hooks in Me
5. Big and Fat
6. You Don't Love Me That Way
7. Walkin' in the Shadow of the Blues
8. Got It Good
9. Dirty Dealin' Mama
10. Percolatin'
11. I Don't Drink Much
12. Murmur Low
13. You Got to Rock

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Little Charlie & the Nightcats   Primary Artist
Rick Estrin   Guitar,Vocals,Harmonica
Ronnie James Weber   Bass
Jimmy Pugh   Organ,Piano
Charlie Baty   Guitar
June Core   Drums,Maracas,Percussion

Technical Credits

Rick Estrin   Composer,Producer
Arthur "Big Boy" Spires   Composer
Dave Alvin   Composer
Paul Oscher   Composer
Lou Hemsey   Mastering
Mattias Minde   Cover Design
Jeff Alperin   Composer
Eric Logan   Photography
Charlie Baty   Composer,Producer
Jerry Hall   Mixing,Engineer