New CD’s by Studebaker John, Mr. Henry, Waxwings, Eric Gales, Sacred Steel, and lotsa reissues

Studebaker John, Howl With The Wolf, Evidence Records

Studebaker John Grimaldi has slowly been making a name for himself not only as a hip blues guitarist, but as a soulful vocalist and harp player as well. Here, he and his tight band tear through a well-chosen set of covers and originals that should add to his ever-widening fan base. Grimaldi proves himself quite able as a multi-instrumentalist, one of the very few within the blues world.

The Waxwings, Low To The Ground, Bobsled Records

Schwing! Bobsled Records is located in Aurora, Illinois, the same town that produced Wayne and Garth from “Wayne’s World.” One look at The Waxwings cover art is deceiving, four young guys with a sensitive 70’s look. Their press info described the music as delicate, like, well, waxwings. After the first listen though, this writer came to the conclusion that this is not the case. Waxwings can lull you to sleep, but they rock like nobody’s business too. The songwriting is superb, and the vocal and instrumental work is equally fine, so I heartily recommend Waxwings’ Low To The Ground. The cover art even resembles an old vinyl album. Bobsled Records, PO Box 6407, Aurora, IL 60598.

Mr. Henry, 40 Watt Fade, Mighty Hudson Music

Mr. Henry is one of those critically acclaimed bands that, for some reason, just can’t seem to break through. This is a mystery, for they are polished musicians with great material that rocks with a pop/rock/country sensibility. This is an especially hot recording, well mixed and mastered, with memorable tunes and chorus hooks that will last with you for days. Somebody please buy this disc! Mighty Hudson Music, 100 Merrick Rd., Suite 206E, Rockville Centre, NY 11570.

Various Artists, Train Don’t Leave Me-1st Annual Sacred Steel Convention, Arhoolie Records

Unlike most churches that rely on organ as the primary musical instrument, the House of God, Keith Dominion and the Church of the Living God, Jewell Dominion African-American Holiness Pentecostal Churches all rely on the electric steel guitar to move churchgoers into gospel frenzy every Sunday, since the late 1930’s in Florida. Anyone who has experienced steel guitar gospel can attest to the music’s electric fervor and the excitement it generates. Recorded at the first annual Sacred Steel Convention, this disc features the greatest living exponents of the art, including Aubrey Ghent, Robert Randolph, Lonnie “Big Ben” Bennett and Calvin Cooke. Freed from the restriction of a church service, these steel guitarists tear it up on traditional black gospel tunes. Great stuff. Arhoolie Records, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530.

Eric Gales, That’s What I Am, Nightbird/MCA Records

Twenty-five-year-old Eric Gales has been honing his guitar chops for years playing in his brothers’ band and with other rock and blues groups in the Memphis area. This is his first “adult” release, according to his promo info, and it seems to take the legacy of Jimi Hendrix into the 21st century, using the late guitarist’s style, sound and approach, and adding contemporary touches like rap, hip-hop and urban influences. Gales could be written off as a Hendrix clone, but with time, he’ll most likely develop his own approach. This is basically a solid effort that bodes well for Gales’ future: some good material, a funky cover of Hendrix’s “Foxey Lady,” and a couple of clinkers.

Various Artists, The Art Of Traditional Fiddle, Rounder Records

If you love traditional, Appalachian fiddle music, look no further. This excellent compilation of previously released Rounder material is about as down home as it gets. Some real artistry going on here, all of it recorded within the last 27 years or so.

Reissue Heaven: New and essential from MCA/Universal are reissues by The Who, Quadrophenia Soundtrack; Rare Earth, Cameo, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Hard Promises, Damn The Torpedoes and Long After Dark; Texas country/rocker Joe Ely, Traffic, John Barleycorn Must Die, Traffic and Last Exit; English new wave rocker Graham Parker. New from Sundazed Records is Paul Revere & The Raiders’ Mojo Workout!, proving once and for all that The Raiders, who used studio musicians for most of their biggest hits, were competent musicians after all. This is all early studio and unreleased stuff that you’ll like if you’re inclined toward wild mid-60’s frat rock.