Big Babe Martin & The Chump Change Band - Ain't It Funny (2023)

This independent release from '97 is roller coaster of up-tempo, fun lovin', groovin' blues. The bouncy instrumental intro of "Lee's Place" with that fantastic sax lead, which continues throughout, sets the pace, sort of. The very next track is a slow blues in the Charles Brown mode, that features guest vocalist Ronnie Monroe whom the album was dedicated. Interestingly enough it is a cover of a Willie Nelson song Babe has a good voice and can handle the guitar chores as nicely as the next gun for hire. I really enjoyed the interplay between the sax & piano it seemed to make all the music flow and enhance the vocals. If his band, James "Smitty" Smith Jr. Bass, Kenneth Bratley Saxophone, Pete Szkola Keyboards & his variety of drummers: Jimmy Joe Culberton, Glen "Bummer" Ward & regular skins man Dennis "Melvis" Spears, do indeed play for "Chump Change" I would suggest getting them a gig in your local digs before they catch on and you can't afford to see them in an intimate setting.

Although all songs are said to be written by the band, except the aforementioned Willie cover, most of the songs come from the great blues heritage, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Not that this is in any way a mockery.

The band is currently residing in Columbia, MO but as Big Babe puts it "You don't have to be from Chicago to know how to play the Blues." If you enjoy toe tappin or cuttin' the rug or just dig damn fine blues get this album and get out to see Big Babe & the Chump Change Band as soon as possible.