MARKEY BLUE RIC LATINA PROJECT
RAISED IN MUDDY WATER
ELLERSOUL RECORDS ER 1803-031
RAISED IN MUDDY WATER–CORRINA SHINE (TAJ MAHAL TRIBUTE)–A LITTLE MORE I DIE (ODE TO JOHN PRINE)–RED ROOM (RONNIE OWENS ON HARP)–MISSISSIPPI SOUL–WALKING OVER THIS LINE–I LIKE IT LIKE THIS (GUEST: EDDY “THE CHIEF” CLEARWATER)–TEARS ALL OVER THE WORLD–WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES–COME AND GO (DELBERT TRIBUTE)–DROWNING IN HIS OCEAN (LIVE)
It has been our pleasure to know both Markey Blue and Ric Latina for several years, and they can always be counted upon to deliver some of the most passionate and exciting sounds in all of contemporary blues. Their latest set, this one for EllerSoul Records, continues that tradition with the release of “Raised In Muddy Water,” eleven originals that combine elements of the Delta with uptown soul, fueled by the playful, sultry and soulful vocals from Markey, and Ric’s dazzling guitar work.
That Delta influence kicks things off, as Markey pays a sweet tribute to the original “rollin’ stone,” proclaiming that, “after the rain, things would never be the same,” as she was sho’ nuff “Raised In Muddy Water” upon hearing those blues! A bit later, she re-affirms the fact that this sweet blues lady has “Mississippi water goin’ thru my veins,” with a stone “Mississippi Soul.” A brilliant slow-blues about a love affair that has fallen prey to constant lying and cheating finds our heroine “Walking Over This Line” on her way out the door, while “Come And Go” features the horn section and Ric’s slide guitar on a smokin’ tribute to ol’ Delbert.
We had two favorites, too. Closing the set is a rollicking live cut, an ode to that “special one,” the “Cecil to my de Mille,” “Drowning In His Ocean.” And, on another playful note, Markey joins forces with duet partner and Blues Hall Of Famer Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, as both singers tell exactly what they enjoy in a relationship with “I Like It Like This.” Another special treat occurs mid-song, as Ric and Eddy get in a cool call-and-response guitar “duel!”
The Markey Blue Ric Latina Project has hit on a winning formula with their recurring trend of great material, powerful vocals, and stellar guitar work, and they just keep on gettin’ better with “Raised In Muddy Water!” Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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