Music scene: blues ’n rock
‘n swampy roots

Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin’ Wolf, The Real Folk Blues, MCA Records.

These four discs by seminal blues artists offer the listener out-of-the-ordinary cuts not usually found on “best of” discs. In other words, this isn’t exactly the cream of the crop in terms of the artist’s best know work, but that doesn’t diminish the performances in most cases. There are a few duds here and there, but most of this music is worth your time and effort. And yes, this is real folk blues.

Doug Roberson and The Swarays, Evanescent, Ginger Records.

Occasionally, I get annoyed at the glut of alternative country/rock bands that imitate the worst excesses and clichés of that musical genre. In the case of Doug Roberson and The Swarays, there’s no doubt these young Midwest musicians write terrific songs, play like men possessed and, what’s even more encouraging, seem to copy no one. The music is muscular, yet melodic, rock with a little country flavor, and the songs are uniformly outstanding. Check this one out. Ginger Records, PO Box, 06505, Chicago, IL 60606-0505.

Dreaming The Blues, The Best Of Charlie Spand, Twenty First Street Rag, The Piano Blues of St. Louis, Yazoo Records.

There’s so much emphasis placed on the guitar in blues, it’s almost hard to remember that the piano has been almost as prevalent through the years as its six-string partner. These two fine discs chronicle the seminal blues work of the little-known Charlie Spand of Detroit, and 15 St. Louis piano pounders of the 1920’s/30’s, like Roosevelt Sykes, Stump Johnson, Peetie Wheatstraw and others. The seeds of boogie woogie and barrelhouse, as well as older rags and stomps, are well represented here and the music, all of which was taken directly from impossibly rare 78 r.p.m. records, has been immaculately cleaned up. If you like rootsy blues piano, don’t miss these two great Yazoo releases. Available wherever better discs are sold.

Ponty Bone, Fantasize, Loudhouse Records.

Texas born and bred, accordionist Pony Bone has worked with some major players in the Lone Star State, including Joe Ely, Flaco Jimenez and Doug Sahm, to name a few. Bone’s playing is stellar, his vocals serviceable, as he and his competent band work their way through tunes that range from Texas roadhouse blues, to swampy Louisiana pop, to loungy instrumentals and Texas swing with a Latin flavor, an eclectic mix. Loudhousemusic.com.

The Groove Hogs, Wrong Side Of The Street, Trawf Records.

Saving perhaps the best for last, we have The Groove Hogs, a great 10-piece blues/R&B band from Wisconsin, whose latest disc is a jumpin’ collection of inspired performances and memorable songs, played with maximum soul and feeling. Guitarist Pat Kiel is especially impressive, but the entire band smokes. There are no slackers here. If you like Roomful Of Blues, The Groove Hogs will crank your tractor. Buy this one pronto! Trawf Records, PO Box 1271, Manitowoc, WI 54221-1271.