Chick Willis "Hit & Run Blues" CD Review
basicallyblues
review by Steven Alvarez
***** Chick Willis has made stacks of good Blues music but this is the
one where it all comes together the best- the songs, the singing, the
playing and, most importantly to me, the production. All real
instruments, including a full horn section. Produced by saxman Jacques
Johnson Sr. and Mr. Willis this CD just sounds superb!
As it says on the cover this year marks the 53rd year Chick has been
playing the Blues and he's at the height of his powers. The rollicking
BB King-like shuffle "Houdini Lover" kicks things off featuring mighty
horns, tight rhythm and impassioned vocals like: "Some women like 'em
bad so I act like a thug/Some women like men gentle like the bubbles
in the tub/I'm a Houdini lover/I got some magic for y'all/I can create
any illusion til I get what I came here for!". Johnson delivers a
housrockin' sax solo on this one. Chick's like the great magician/
illusionist/escape artist Houdini in that he can create any illusion
the women want to see to "get what I came here for" (and then
presumably he proceeds to escape). Another great original, which may
become a standard, is "1,2,3,4,5 Shots Of Whiskey". Willis' dry, tart
guitar dominates this midtempo number with a very catchy refrain.
Meanwhile Chick bookends his signature classic "Stoop Down Baby" with
a sequel entitled "Stoop Down Low". In it he says he's been "stooping
down since 1972" (when the song first appeared) but now at his age he
better stoop down as much as he can now before he "can't stoop down no
more!".
Equally strong are inspired covers of Bobby Blue Bland's "Soul Of A
Man", "I Love To See You Smile" and "Millionaire". Willis' band and
session musicians (Johnson, Nat Noland, Chuck Carthan, Billy Hancock,
Andy Hamburger, Steve Walker, Bobby Felder) all play like they have
something to prove.
As a special bonus there's nearly-10 minute slow Blues to close out
the album. Recorded live, "Blues Man", affords Chick plenty of space
to show off his guitar prowess. All in all this is Chick Willis' best
album.