THE MANNISH BOYS "BIG PLANS" Source: Kentuckiana Blues Society Date: 04/2008 Writer: Bob Brown

I’ll be honest with you. I bought this CD because I liked the cover and was looking for some new music. It has been advertised in several publications, so I thought I would take a chance. I knew nothing of the band’s music or its members. So first let me introduce the members: Finis Tasby on vocals: Johnny Dyer- vocals and harmonica: Randy Chortcoff –vocals and harmonica: Frank Goldwasser on vocals, rhythm and slide guitar: Kid Ramos-Lead guitar, slide guitar and “baritone” guitar (whatever that is): Kirk Fletcher-lead guitar and rhythm guitar: Leon Blue-vocals and piano: Tom Leavey-electric bass: and Richard Innes on drums. They also have special guests such as Mitch Kashmar, Rick Holmstrom and Jody Williams.

Once I learned who the artists were, I recognized a few of them. I didn’t know that this band is an all star cast. Delta Groove Records came into existence solely to record this group. This is their third release for Delta Groove.

The music is infectious. It is superbly done and the vocals remind one of early 50’s recordings. It is not “lets get some name artists together and play some music” and hope the names sell the music. This is obviously not about the artists, but about the music. It is original, interesting, and really special. I think that the diverse artists on the CD each lend their talents to the CD and don’t follow a prescribed path. Each artist contributes unselfishly.

This is one of two CD’s that I would vote as the best of 2007. It is definitely one that everyone needs to have. I plan on getting their other two CDs now. Music samples are available at www.deltagroovemusic.com .