By Cornbread

Jimmy “Duck” Holmes - Back to Bentonia
{2006 | Broke & Hungry Records}

Broke & Hungry Records is a St. Louis-based independent record label dedicated to recording and releasing authentic country blues. Back to Bentonia represents both the debut CD for the 58-year-old Holmes and Broke & Hungry Records.

Much like a worn-out, favorite pair of blue jeans that you feel most comfortable in, maybe sitting on the front porch watching life slowly pass by, Back to Bentonia takes us to a simpler time of gut wrenching heavy soul & Delta blues. The famed juke joint owner, Duck Holmes shares his music from the sounds and styles of Skip James and Jack Owens.

For the most part it’s Jimmy “Duck” Holmes on guitar & vocals with Bud Spires on tracks 1, 4 and 11 playing harmonica and vocals on track 11. Sam Carr sits in on drums on tracks 2, 5 and 8.

1. I’d Rather Be The Devil
2. Cool Water
3. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry
4. Count The Days I’m Gone
5. Vicksburg Blues
6. Six Little Puppies
7. Mr. Taxi Driver
8. Duck’s Shuffle
9. Hard Times
10. Back To Bentonia
11. Your Buggy Don’t Ride Like Mine

I liked this CD a lot, it took me to a mellow, reflective place – far from givin’ me the blues. Track 4 was my favorite. Buy the CD.

Ciao' for now, peace.