Lil Joe Washington - Houston Guitar Blues (2003) [CD Rip]

"Monophonic" in headline-sized type on the back of Houston Guitar Blues only partly explains the magic atmospherics of this 80-year-old Third Ward bluesman's 2009 release. The way the bass sucks in all the low tones then coats everything in ancient analog warmth defines classic swamp sounds of a half-century ago. Washington's wiry, clawing tenor on "I Feel Alright" echoes Van Morrison leading Them. That he's also a pianist accounts for these estuary blues, particularly the urban (guitar) sting and (keyboard) tickle of "Take My Hand." The pair of instrumentals are as lean and motoring as a Thunderbird coupe. When Washington stretches out, the guitar becomes a viscous ring that his Stax vocal edge squeegees. Back to mono. ~Raoul Hernandez

Nick Connolly, Joe Washington (piano); Bill Campbell (bass); Willie Sampson (drums).