The Juke Joints "Going to Chicago!"

Simply put, this is one of the best ensemble blues recordings I've heard in quite some time, and the band is from Holland!  This is album #11 from a history beginning in 1985.  As much as I search for International releases, I am surprised they have eluded my ears until now.  And it was only because I liked the name Juke Joints for a blues band that made me point my mouse to "Sample." 

First track in, I'm thinking Kim Wilson and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.  Next track, John Mayall.  Catch the theme yet?  Correct!  Harmonica, and lots of it.  Excellent guitar, too.  And a singing drummer, for crying out loud....from Holland?!  Shitwow...  There's a Memphis/Stax tribute song and, of course, Chicago blues, as evidenced by the "special guests" stamped on the front, Eddy Clearwater and Ronnie Baker Brooks, and the record was produced in the Windy City by Mr. Brooks.  The other name, Ana Popovic, is a Serbian blues guitarist whom you will say you heard about her first through the Mad Rocker.  Let's see...other names that sprang to mind while listening to this CD were Doyle Bramhall II and British blues band The Hoax.  That's mighty high praise indeed, as I consider The Hoax one of the 90's best bands, period. 

There isn't much on the web video wise, and this is the best one I could find.  From it, I get a slight Foghat vibe I didn't get from this album, but that's not a bad thing.  You'll see they are a four-piece band, but "Going to Chicago" has a liberal sprinkling of Hammond B-3 throughout.  I can't say for sure, but probably a Chicago session player, but a welcome addition, nonetheless.  There's a trait in the vocals that's stirred some of the tiny demons in my mind, but after repeated spins, I still can't quite pin down who it's reminiscent of.  Ah, it'll come to me eventually...

There are five of the eleven Juke Joint releases available in the US, and this may be one of the RARE occasions where I actually go backwards and buy a catalogue selection.  If you are like me and wonder why the Blues make you feel so good, then spend the $10 and get this record.  You will be smilin' right along with me...