THE MANNISH BOYS "LOWDOWN FEELIN" Source: Blues Wax Date: 06/2008 Writer: Richard Ludmerer

More Good Times

On this their fourth album the Mannish Boys continue their crusade by bringing us more great music. The band still consists of guitarists Kid Ramos, Kirk Fletcher, and Frank Goldwasser; vocalists Finis Tasby and Johnny Dyer; harmonica from Randy Chortkoff; and the rhythm section of Tom Leavey on bass and Richard Innes on drums. Changes include the addition of Bobbie Jones as a full-time member and featured vocalist and Ronnie James Webber as an alternate bassist.

Guest artists include harmonica players Little Sammy Davis, Lynwood Slim, and Al Blake; guitarists Fred Scribner and Junior Watson; tenor and baritone sax from Woody Woodford; and on keyboards the great Fred Kaplan.

Bobbie Jones is the vocalist on seven songs. "These Kind of Blues" opens the album with the Tijuana Brass-type trumpet of Scott Steen. "Searchin' Blues" with Goldwasser's slide guitar follows. My favorite however is Howlin' Wolf's "Chocolate Drop," which features Chortkoff on harmonica. Little Walter's "Need My Baby," "Figure Head" (ith Kid Ramos on guitar), "Dead Letter Blues" (with guitarist Junior Watson), and "The Woodchuck" are also included.

Finis Tasby, one of our most expressive vocalists, sings on the title track "Lowdown Feelin'," on "If The Washing Don't Get You, The Rinsing Will," and on "Something's Wrong." Johnny Dyer sings on Willie Dixon's "The Same Thing" and on "Good Times." Goldwasser gets to sing on "Reet, Petite and Gone," and producer Chortkoff takes his vocal on "Rude Groove." If that weren't enough, Little Sammy Davis takes center stage and sings on two of his own songs, "Fine Lookin' Woman" and "When I Leave." Also included is an instrumental version of "You Don't Love Me."

The Mannish Boys began as a one-time revue. In demand to appear at festivals, their second album was a live recording. Big Plans, their last release, fully established them as one of the foremost Blues bands. This newest release continues their legacy.