Henry Cooper - Slide Man (1999)

Seattle-based Henry Cooper's second release is a continuation of his passion for blues tradition, but delivered in a fresh setting. As in Henry's first album Baby Please, Slide Man is framed in a similar lean-n-mean production. The classic four-piece ensemble of slide guitar, Hammond organ, bass & drums leaves plenty of room for the (all but one) self-penned songs to breathe. Henry is self-admittedly not a powerhouse vocalist, such as say, Screamin' Jay Hawkins (in whose band Henry used to play). However he's confident enough as a player to let the music do most of the talking, as six instrumentals prove. Harmonica was Henry's first instrument, and his dynamite harp work is often overshadowed by his stunning slide guitar playing. From the opening guitartillery attack of "Keep Waitin", thru the surf sounds of "King Me", thru the Ledbelly-ish country blues of "No Fears", Slide Man is both retro and next generation music. Traditionalists will love it, and even music yuppies who only know blues through the likes of Robert Cray will find plenty to groove and dance to. Get yours today.