Whiteboy James And The Blues Express - Extreme Makeover (2011)

There's a proliferation of albums issuing from blues players most people never heard of, stars of their own local blues scene, honky tonk heroes who can put out some good sounds for shuffling drunks who turn out for their Friday night gigs. When these guys put out albums, they tend to sell a handful of copies off the table that gets set up at those performances, but it's hard as hell for talented musicians to gain attention or traction in times like these when competition for the entertainment dollar is so fierce.

And, in a genre that is essentially derivative, it's difficult for blues guys to create a distinctive sound that sets 'em apart from the crowd. But Whiteboy James does stand out on this album, mostly because he's got such a keen sense of humor. On songs like Big Butted Women and Night Train Wine, he can have you dancing and chuckling at the same time. But he's no novelty act. He's a vocalist with his own sound, and he's got a cracklin' band behind him here, with solid guitar work by Scott Abeyta, a guitarist I never heard of, but who's as good as more famous names everyone knows.

Whiteboy James has been around awhile, though fame has not yet found its way to his door. This album might not make him famous, either, but if you seek it out, it's going to show you a good time. ~Chico News and Review