This is the first blues release from APO since Big George Brock’s “Heavyweight Blues” – and has the wait been worthwhile? Yes it has!
In Marquise Knox, APO have unearthed a sixteen year old blues talent blessed with the voice and licks (guitar/harmonica) of someone twice his age. The fact that he is also a talented songwriter – is backed on this set by one of his mentors, Michael Burks (and his band) – is cousin to Big George Brock and the late Bennie Smith – and cites Hopkins, Hooker, BB and Albert King, and Muddy Waters as his prime influences, are further reasons to be excited about this release.
The set opens with “Love Makin’ Machine” on which Knox sounds like a vintage Jimmy Johnson – his powerful and deeply soulful baritone riding an insistent organ and harp riff replete with searing guitar that grows in intensity throughout the track. “You Put Me Down” is a funky shuffle in the Magic Slim mould – “She’s The One” sounds like a “funked-up” RL Burnside with vocals moaned over a mesmerising guitar riff and trashcan drums – whilst “Sometimes I Wonder” with it’s brooding vocals, sparse drumming and weeping guitar has a distinct Muddy feel.
Big George Brock’s “Problem” is delivered in an intensely brooding style reminiscent of Magic Slim and Guitar “Junior” Johnson replete with percolating organ – whilst “Juke Joint Blues” and “Clock On The Wall” are delivered in a grinding Elmore James style. Muddy’ s “You Need Love” pays tribute to a major influence whilst also permeating it with a slice of John Lee Hooker – Muddy’s influence again coming to the fore on “Living To Die” a tale of frustration that also shows glimpses of the influences of Jimmy Johnson, Joe Louis Walker and Lurrie Bell.
Add in the deeply brooding Muddy inspired “Ice Storm” which was written, like many of these tracks, in the studio – and in response to an Ice Storm that was ravaging Salina at the time of the recording session – and you have a set that I can unhesitatingly recommend.
(www.aporecords.com)
Rating 9
Mick Rainsford
Blues in Britain Magazine
http://www.blueprint-blues.co.uk/