CAREY BELL
"GOOD LUCK MAN"
ALLIGATOR RECORDS

If you want to know what Alligator Records means by their slogan “genuine houserockin’ music” then look no further than this new release by Carey Bell. A monster blues harpist, Bell is rooted in the Mississippi Delta tradition but like so many others he honed his skills on the streets of Chicago. He learned directly from Big Walter Horton and Little Walter Jacobs. He’s been a part of both the Muddy Waters Band and the Willie Dixon Chicago All-Stars. “Good Luck Man” picks up where last year’s CD “Deep Down” left off meaning Carey Bell is one red-hot musician these day.
Carey’s harp comes blasting through the speakers on the first notes of the opening song, a Muddy Waters composition called “My Love Strikes Like Lightning.” There are a variety of musicians backing Carey on this project. They include his long time guitarist Steve Jacobs along with rhythm guitarist Will Crosby who helps out on about half the songs. Johnny “Fingers” Iguana, who is part of Carey’s touring band, handles the piano throughout the disc. The rest of his touring band is Tom Parker on drums and T.A. Jones on bass. They play on half the cuts while Chicago veterans Johnny B. Gayden and Willie Hayes play bass and drums on the other songs.
The first tune I played when I got this CD was track #5 called “Bell Hop.” I thought it was a great name for a Carey Bell song and I just knew it was going to be an explosive instrumental. I was right. There are a half dozen originals on the disc including two ballads called “Teardrops” and “Hard Working Woman.” Each tune provides a mellow interlude in an otherwise raucous recording.
Carey Bell turned 61 years young this past November 14th. In the disc’s liner notes it says he’s learned from the masters and then became one himself. I couldn’t agree more.

- Bill Harriman
**** 1/2 stars