Catfish Keith - Pony Run (1999) [CD Rip]

Catfish Keith is joined on a couple of tunes here by pianist Radoslav Lorkovic; all the other songs are solo ventures. Keith has excellent guitar skills and a very powerful voice that is well suited to the genre. He pours his entire heart and soul into each and every song, making the end product very magnetic and touching. His guitar playing and singing take the listener back in time to when barrelhouse music was at its prime. He gives the listener a chance to feel the music that Delta blues masters played many decades ago. The strength of Delta blues was the emotional tie between the artists and their songs; their music was a window to their souls. Keith has managed to capture this feeling on his album, allowing listeners to take a trip without ever leaving the easy chair. The 1999 National Reso-Phonic Baritone Polychrome Tricone steel-bodied guitar in the hands of this amazing guitarist is featured on two standout tracks. The first, "Butt Dance," features humorous lyrics that some might find offensive, but the guitar playing on this number is sure to drop a few jaws, as Keith does a little second-line slide guitar on the baritone. The second standout tune is actually the last piece on the album, "Doggone My Bad Luck Soul." The baritone guitar gives this instrumental a powerful presence; the tune also has strains of the Robert Johnson classic "Crossroads," with its powerful energy and dynamic melody. The energy level of the album never drops, from the first song, "I Just Can't Help It," to the very last. On "I Just Can't Help It," Keith is joined by Lorkovic on the piano; the strong rhythm guitar work, with accentuations from the piano blending with Keith's powerful vocals, makes this a solid, soulful groove tune. Keith is an amazing solo artist who is keeping a uniquely American style of music alive with his own Midas touch. Although this is not a genre that is at its highest in terms of popularity, this truly unique guitarist and singer delivers some timeless pieces of musical genius that will delight those who give them a listen. ~Larry Belanger