Arnold, Billy Boy: Chicago Blues From Islington Mews 1977
When Chicago bluesman Billy Boy Arnold toured Europe in 1977 he did not think he would be making an album with an all-white British blues rock band but that's exactly what happened. Recorded in only two days Chicago Blues From Islington Mews 1977 is a testament to what can be accomplished with a little hard work and a whole lot of passion.
For this record the players are Bill Boy Arnold (vocal and harmonica), Tony S. McPhee (guitar), Wilgur Campbell (drums) and Alan Fish (bass). It is quite remarkable how these players were able to gel into a cohesive blues rock unit in such a short amount of time. The playing is passionate and fiery throughout and Arnold's harp and passionate vocals lead the way.
The hard rock blues of "Dirty Mother F!" begins the album with ripping harmonica and razor sharp guitar riffs. "Don't Stay Out All Night" is another energetic blues rock tune with more sizzling harp work whereas "1-2-99" begins with some on stage banter and is more of a slow burner. Arnold's vocal delivery is pure gold as is McPhee's biting riffs. One of the most intense offerings is the ripping instrumental "Riding The EI" featuring blistering harmonica and guitar. And so it goes with the rest of the album.
Chicago Blues From Islington Mews 1977 is an intense hard rocking blues album that no doubt made some of the punk rockers of the day turn and give notice. Blues has rarely rocked as hard as this.
Track Listing:
1. Dirty Mother F!
2. Don't Stay Out All Night
3. 1-2-99
4. Riding The EI
5. Just Got To Know
6. Christmas Time
7. I Wish You Would
8. Ah'W Baby
9. Sweet Miss Bea
10. Blue And Lonesome
11. Eldorado Cadillac
12. Mary Bernice
Bonus Tracks
13. It's Great To Be Rich
14. Just A Dream
15. Catfish
For information regarding where to send CD promos and advertising, please see our FAQ page.
If you have questions or comments, please Contact Us.
Please see our Policies Page for Site Usage, Privacy, and Copyright Policies.