Jaqueline Bassett

Johnnie Bassett has been the most populist bluesman in Detroit for many decades, and his scant few dates for independent labels have been regarded internationally as the best sounding recordings of his peer group. Now with national U.S. distribution from Mack Avenue Records, Bassett has a chance to break out on the commercial scene with a set of contemporary originals that can appeal to a wide range of listeners. His sleek and clean vocal style cannot be mistaken for anything other than what it is, with a sweetness and light that supersede any scolding he might dole out. An economical guitarist who is, to say the least, understated, Bassett keeps a light groove going, punctuated by the equally concise and controlled organ playing of Chris Codish. with his regular trio the Brothers Groove. A small horn section comprising some of the Motor City's best musicians join the band as they strut through this program of simplified, easygoing, no-nonsense current day blues.

An excellent disc all around, available domestically and at domestic prices. The band is in a solid groove with the usual stomps, shuffles, good-time funk and delicious slow blues. During the last few years, Bassett has begun to sound less like '60s-era B.B. King and on this disc he seems to come into full bloom. The band, too, is full of first-class musicians. They draw from disperate sources and concentrate on laying down a tight foundation which lovingly supports Bassett's inventive single-string leads and chordal rhythm guitar work. In this day of gadgets and floor boxes, his sound is refreshingly clean and uncluttered and a pleasure to listen to. If you like straight-ahead electric blues, you can't go wrong with this disc.