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Way Down the RiverSugarcane Collins Self-released 13 tracks/56:24
Andy “Sugarcane” Collins is a musician from the Queensland area of northern Australia. Following his first tour of the United States last year, he has put together this new disc that pays homage to the spirit of the country Blues tradition from decades past. To start, the disc comes in a very impressive gatefold package. Collins displays a great attention to detail for all aspects of the production. The artwork and layout are stunning. Included is a full-color booklet containing not only lyrics to each track but also photos of Mississippi that have National Geographic-like quality. It is quite an impressive presentation for an independent release. Collins handles the lead vocals and plays acoustic guitar throughout the disc. He also wrote all of the tracks. The backing instrumentation includes everything from electric guitars to washboards and a jew’s harp. While none of the additional musicians sport a familiar name, they obviously understand Collins’ music as demonstrated by their passionate support. His 2005 USA tour left quite an impression on Collins as his songs deal with prisons, slavery, picking cotton, lonesome whistles and other standard blues themes. It may be stretch to believe an Australian singing a tale about picking cotton in the deep South. And some of his lyrics are standard blues phrases that have been heard many times by even a casual blues fan. But Collins displays such enthusiasm in his performances that you quickly suspend any disbelief and are won over by his musical vision. The disc opens with an unaccompanied harmonica solo from Andy Vogel followed by the shuffling “Got a Mind to Ramble”. Collins rides the beat with a vocal that gathers intensity as Paul Green on electric slide guitar provides support. The tale of “One Wing Frank” describes the trials and tribulations of a man on the run and how he came to lose one arm. The track is punctuated throughout by a mournful cry from Collins that creates an eerie feel in keeping with the story. Another highlight is “Leadbelly”, a spirited tribute to the legendary blues man, which features some fine rhythm guitar from Collins. On “Follow Me Boy”, Collins spices up the arrangement by adding congas and organ to the mix. He shows that he understands gospel music as Bob Howlett’s organ takes you to church with an rousing choir backing Collins vocal on “Shine the Light”. The title track, a slow blues, closes out the disc. Collins describes the intertwined history of the music and the land, a place where “…so much beauty came from a hostile, brutal land.” Once again, Collins weaves a variety of instruments in and out of the arrangement, creating an appealing mix of a standard blues form. This recording proves that Sugarcane Collins is a legitimate blues musician, no matter where he hails from. The love he has for the blues is evident in every aspect of this recording, from his clever arrangements and the energetic renderings of his original songs to the superior packaging. Collins has the spirit – and so will you once you give this disc a listen.
- reviewed by Mark Thompson
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