Decision

Bobby Rush With Blinddog Smokin'

Silver Talon Records, 2014

http://www.bobbyrush.net

REVIEW BY: David Bowling

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 04/15/2014

Bobby Rush is one of those connectors to the early 20th century blues masters of the Southern Delta. He played with Elmore James and learned his craft at the feet of such bluesmen as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter. He toured for decades and became known as the “King Of The Chitlin Circuit.” As he aged, he underwent a commercial resurrection, culminating in 2007 when his album Down In Louisiana was nominated for a Grammymy_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250 Award.

Carl Gustafson formed his first band in 1964 and during 1993 founded Blinddog Smokin’. Their paths continually crossed while on the road and a friendship was formed. They have finally gone into the studio and the result is the album Decisions.

What sounds like a good idea, however, doesn’t quite gel. Rush is at his best when he plays raw and basic blues. Decisions finds him trying to be a little too creative and maybe not serious enough as many of the lyrics are just too cute. “Dr. Rush” is a prime example of this problem as he raps his way through questions and answers on a pretend radio show.

There are a few tracks that try to save the album. “Another Murder” features Dr. John on vocals and it is a New Orleans song to its core. The two voices play off of each other and as the lyrics explore the seedy side of the city. A judicious use of background singers and subtle brass serve to enhance the song.

“Bobby Rush’s Bus” is an amusing autobiographical song. In this case it is his tour bus reminiscing, which provides a lot of room for the various band members to solo.

Much of the rest of the release falls into the aforementioned average category. It may be that he is better off without a tight band behind him as it stifles his freedom of expression.

The DVD consists of a music video of “Another Murder,” interviews with Rush and Dr. John, plus some behind the scenes photos. It is interesting viewing the first time through but one has to ask how many times a person will want to return to this material. 

Decisions provides some glimpses of the blues genius of Bobby Rush, but overall it is an album that over reaches and misses the mark. If you want to explore the blues legacy of Bobby Rush, there are better places to start.

Rating: C

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