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IN MY TIME Alligator (1993) 1. Stingaree |
Charlie muses about his latest Alligator release, “In My Time is a reflection of where I came from and it shows that it’s not over either, that I’m still in full steam here.” In My Time captures his deep blues roots, points the musical way towards the future – and its release celebrate the bluesman’s fiftieth birthday, January 31, 1994.
The Grammy-nominated In My Time weaves Charlie’s driving harmonica sounds through a variety of musical settings, but begins with a special bonus — Charlie’s return to his first instrument, the guitar. One of nine newly-written original songs, the solo Delta slide work of “Stingaree” showcases his sparse, soulful singing and playing, which continues on to the baleful deep blues of Sleepy John Estes’ “Brownsville Blues” and Charlie’s own “Ain’t It Time.” The latter, gospel-tinged song unites Charlie with famed vocal group, The Blind Boys of Alabama.
To recall his apprenticeship in Chicago, Charlie assembled a group of West Coast players – stylists who are revitalizing the Windy City’s 50′s blues and swing sounds. Charlie’s raw harmonica sounds drive Sonny Boy Williamson’s “The Big Boat”, which kicks-off In My Time’s “Chicago” set, as well as his own “If I Should Have Bad Luck” and Roosevelt Sykes’ “Casual Friend.”
“I think that part of the true spirit of blues is going ahead and being inventive and playing new things,” Charlie declares, and with “Midnight Mama”, In My Time steps firmly into the present. With his red hot, funk-tinged road band (guitarist Andrew “Junior Boy” Jones; bassist Felton Crews; drummer Tommy Hill) he sets out to prove this spirit on songs like “Movin’ and Groovin’” and “Revelation.”
In My Time winds to a gentle close with the gospel-tinged elegy “Bedside of A Neighbor”, again with The Blind Boys of Alabama.”It leaves you with something to think about,” says Charlie.”It sets the tone for the rest of the day…it will give you a sense of well being and going forward.”
