Back to basics by one of the claimants to the Blues Crown

This album was born one night at Ronnie Scott's in London when Lucky was on stage and suddenly launched into a stunning performance of an old Gatemouth Brown song. After my initial reaction of very nice... a thought occurred. A 'Retro' style album from Lucky would be a fantastic concept and Lucky enthusiastically agreed. But in Lucky, Steve Washington and their collaborators we are talking about a hugely creative team of people. They cannot be tied down by a concept, it's merely a starting point. So yes, this is a 'Retro' album - acoustic bass, real piano, some stunning 'real blues' guitar and great songs played live in the studio with no more than Lucky doing the occasional overdub of a second instrument. The team involved in this album couldn't become 'copyists' to save their lives - they are people who bring a freshness to this music that is much needed and should be noted by others.....Lucky recorded this album in 2012 and gracefully held it back for wife Tamara's breathtaking 'Whatever You Say' album to be released in 2013. That's a project which Lucky guests on and contributes to and Tam returns the favour with some terrific vocals on 'What Have I Done Wrong', a fabulously funky piece. Among the blues listen out also for Lucky's piano (almost) instrumental, 'Get On Down', another number where a decidedly non-retro funky groove dominates.Today Lucky Peterson stands on the cusp of regaining his mantle as the hottest young blues artist out there today. I hope he doesn't get lost in the morass of 'mid size' blues labels that are out there and that he gets signed at last by a powerful label with the means to put him back in his rightful place. In the meantime I reckon that this album is one of those which create reputations and might be a hard act to follow...JOHN STEDMAN

Additional Details

Label: JSP Records

Genre: Blues

Release Date: 08/19/14

UPC: 788065885427