By Cornbread

John Lee Hooker Jr. Blues Band – Blues With A Vengeance
{2004 | Kent Records}

At the time of writing this review, the news that “Blues With A Vengeance” had won a W.C. Handy award was less than a week old. STLBlues.net congratulates JLH, Jr. on his Handy award and Grammy nomination.

Featuring:
John Lee Hooker, Jr. – vocals
John Garcia Jr. – lead guitar
Will “Roc” Griffin – keyboards
John Handy, Jr. – drums
Frank “Tebo” Thibeaux – bass
Jeff Horan – rhythm guitar
Craig Robinson & Kim Turner – vocals

Vengeance has twelve songs; three are covers of his late, great father, John Lee Hooker as well as a T. Bone song in the mix. I asked John what it was like performing his daddy’s songs he responded “I feel my dad with me when I cover his music.”

Throughout the CD we get some horns big band style, backing piano boogie and rich, huge giant-like vocals. “Blues Ain't Nothin' But A Pimp” has some funky bass for added flavor. John Lee sings his dad’s songs in an upbeat R&B fashion, check out “Boom Boom”. The blues guitar is done up Chicago style with tasty vibratos and solos. I really liked the blues on “Goin' Down To Baghdad”. The “Stormy Monday” version was fantastic. The CD has a strong swing feel with plenty of soul in the singing.

Ciao' for now, peace.
Peter 'Cornbread' Cohen, CBP
~ Cornbread@STLBlues.net ~