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know the blues... Records
Hip
Linkchain Frank Bandy, aka Right Hand Frank and President of Teardrop Records from Wheeling, IL, sent these discs with the hope that we would review them. Well, Frank, we always appreciate the opportunity to check out some new music and both of these discs struck a chord with me. The Linkchain disc had me momentarily confused. At first, it seemed like a new release. The problem with that is that Hip passed away in 1989. A little research determined that this is a reissue of Hip's first US release, originally issued in 1981. Hip does the vocals and lead guitar work. The piano work is handled by the now-legendary Pinetop Perkins, whose driving solos repeatedly propel the energy level on the disc to a higher level. This is a very solid example of Chicago blues, circa early 1980's. Linkchain's vocals get the job done. His guitar playing complements each number with a stinging sound favored by the Chi-town west-side guitar players. Had Linkchain lived until the blues revival of the 1990's, solid recordings like this one would have earned him more attention than he received prior to his untimely passing. If any of you remember the days when "Gloria" by the Shadows of Knight was all over AM radio, you have my condolences because you are as old as I am! Joe Kelley was a member of the Knights and played bass on their biggest hit. He later switched to guitar and ultimately left the group, finally forming the Joe Kelley Blues Band. This group played all over the Northwest suburbs of Chicago at places like the Cellar in Arlington Heights, becoming a favorite of many, including yours truly. In fact, I once got Joe a gig at my high school for a dance. My dad was an official with the Booster club and they were looking to make some money. I suggested Joe's group and it came to pass. I was pretty proud of myself that night, at least until the first break, when Joe was lead away in handcuffs for smoking a controlled substance in the boy's locker room. Needless to say, my career as a music consultant with the Boosters club came to a screeching halt. His new solo disc let's you know that Joe is a talented guitar player. A highlight is the slow blues " Have You Ever Been Busted", which I believe dates back to the shows at the Cellar. Joe's playing focuses on the feel of the song instead of giving in to displays of technical mastery. Other highlights are the three slide guitar showcases, with the reworking of "Little Red Rooster" being a real standout. In the vocal area, Kelley's gruff style fits the seven originals and four covers. He also adds some harp work to several numbers. This effort should raise Kelley's profile in the blues community and rightfully so. This is another quality release from the Teardrop label that merits your attention. By the way - Prez Right Hand Frank plays bass on both recordings. Check out these releases at: www.teardroprecords.corn
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