CD B&T 012
'East St. Louis', Boo Boo Davis' debut album with Black 8 Tan, was recorded in 1999 and greeted enthusiastically by critics and public alike. It was Boo's second recording, having previously recorded 'Harpin' On It' (December '98, Fedora) where he appeared as a special guest alongside harp player Arhur Williams. With Boo's vocals bearing a striking resemblance to those of the late great Howlin' Wolf, it was clear that the Wolf was definitely one of Boo's main influences.A lot has happened since the Fall of l999, however, with Boo starting to make his own mark on the blues scene. He has quit drumming to become a standup vocalist instead, not an easy switch, but a move which has benefited his singing enormously. Judge for yourself. Crank up the volume and listen to this new album from the can man out of St Louis. Because Boo's voice now sounds more powerful than ever before. On stage, meanwhile, Boo has really begun coming into his own as a vocalist and performer. He's learned a lot over the past three years working the crowd, picking up the harp to inject somo variatinn, entertairiing and thrilling an ever-increosing audience. And he's determined to get whwc. he wants to.
'Can Man' was recorded live! All in one take No overdubs. And even today, having listened to the alhum so many times, it's great to hear all members of the band blending in together to create that raw, nasty and gritty sound. A sound reminiscent of the tough blues sound of the fifties and sixties. But rest assured, while the music pays respect to his mentors, the lyrics are definitely Boo's, As it is, the repertoire offers nothing but originals. mostly penned by Boo himself, and drawing inspiration from his personal experiences, acutely observing everyday life and what's going down around him. To those of you who are down with Howlin' Wolfs raw Chicago blues.. you'll certainly love this one. Even as Boo echoes the howls of the great giant, he first and foremost remains true to himself, never once falling into the imitation trap like so many of his contemporaries. So crank up the volume and enjoy the wild sound of Boo Boo Davis 8 friends.
James "Boo Boo" Davis
[ vocals & harmonica }
Greg Edick
[ bass ]
Wybren Feenstra
[ piano ]
Erik Spanjers
[ drums ]
Jan Mittendorp
[ guitar ]
Arend Bouwmeester
[ percussion ]
1 Big House All By Myself [ J.Davis ]
2 Ah Ah Baby [ J.Davis ]
3 Can Man [ J.Davis/J.Mittendorp ]
4 Headache [ J.Davis ]
5 Red Door [ J.Davis ]
6 Boo's Boogie Woogie [ J.Davis/w.Feenstra ]
7 Keep On Lovin' My Baby [ J.Davis ]
8 Lovin" Somebody Else [ J.Davis ]
9 Amsterdam Blues [ J.Davis/J.Mittendorp ]
10 Right On [ J.Davis ]
December 3 and 4, 2001
Backstreet Studio
Wijk bij Duurstede
Technician:
Dirk Vermeij
Mastering:
Erik Spanjers/Score Music Productions
Design:
B.Ad
Cover & Jacket Photos:
Alex Vanhee
