Eddie Martin & the Texas Blues Kings - Pillowcase Blues (2002)

Eddie Martin is one of Britain's most prolific blues artists. Playing solo, trio, or big band he spends much of his time gigging around Europe and the US, yet somehow still finds time to write and record plenty of good material. On "Pillowcase Blues," his sixth album in seven years, Eddie is joined by the erstwhile rhythm section of Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King: bassist Guthrie Kennard and drummer Jimmie Pendleton, aka the Texas Blues Kings.
Those of a nervous disposition should probably steer clear of the raw and rowdy opener, "Down The Road". Martin plays some very mean slide guitar on a tune where John Lee Hooker crashes into George Thorogood. The no-frills engine room provides the perfect accompaniment for one of the best tracks of the year. If you manage to survive the experience you get a bit of respite on the comparatively gentle "Pillowcase Blues" which is a more of a Texas boogie with fine harmony vocals and lots more slide guitar. Also, see if you can spot the very understated baritone sax of the legendary Dick Heckstall-Smith.
The album contains a healthy dose of Chicago blues. Firstly in the shape of "Natural Thing," where Martin plays unamplified harp on a Jimmy Reed style tune. Second on "Please Stop" which sounds so good that it will have you reaching for the credits to check if it is an Elmore James number. The lyrics which deal problems largely associated with the last decade or so will also convince you otherwise.
Regular collaborators the Little Big Horns pop up for the album's only cover, an infectious interpretation of "I Done, Done It." Even this has been beefed up with extra original verses by Martin. The horns later resurface for the footstomping "Let's Get Together" which is built for audience participation, and follows some countryesque picking on the true tale of "The Hatfields and the McCoys."
By the time you reach the last brace of tracks you will probably be in need of a breather. Fortunately you get it, first in the shape of the Hookerseque "I Wanna Groove With You," which features some more great harp. Martin then rounds things off on his own, with the instrumental "Long Ride Home," giving a first-rate demonstration of fingerpicking on Old Goldie, his 70-ish years old steel guitar.
"Pillowcase Blues" is yet another top class album from Eddie Martin. It is shot through with the emotional intensity that lies at the heart of great blues music. Martin also injects plenty of subtlety and variation too, rather than just trying to blast the listener away with sheer power. The Texas Blues Kings provide the perfect foil for Martin in this setting: no frills, and always on the money.