Eddie Martin Band - Blue To The Bone (1997)

Multi instrumentalist Eddie Martin is the most remarkable blues musician of his generation. And what a team he's assembled - his regular rhythm section consists of bassist Tony Caddle and drummer Mike Hoddinott, names which, like that of Eddie's occasional piano man here John Baggott, will be familiar to many as former members of the much missed award winning Innis Sioun Blues Explosion. Guesting saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith needs no introduction of course, and around half the tracks.
Caddle's bass playing too is sensational, especially riding the changes of the Freddie King-like "The Fumble", and during the ultra-funky "Edge of the line". Baggot, as evre, coats the whole proceedings with several thick layers of class: he really is the best piano player this country has produced in years.
All the tracks work very well indeed and I'm pleased that Eddie's social and political concerns are still to the fore throughout several of his lyrics. It certainly makes for a far more contemporary, believable and personal approach to the blues that that adapted by many of our practicing songsmiths.
In short, if I hear a better British CD than this one during the next 12 months I'll be very surprised indeed" ~Blueprint Magazine.

All original Eddie Martin Compositions, 1 instrumental (track 1).

Musicians: Eddie Martin, vocals, guitars and harmonica; John Baggott, Piano, Tony Caddle Bass, Mike Hoddinott Drums, Little Big Horns. Special Guests: Dick Heckstall-Smith, Saxophones.