Matt Walsh - Hard Luck
Raw Tone Records
Matt Walsh started recording "Hard Luck", his second album, back in 2005. The Carolina-based guitarist took his time, carefully gathering musicians that would fit with his style, including his friend and near-neighbor, Bob Margolin.
Walsh's style is founded on the classic thumping Chicago blues sound that is best epitomised by Magic Slim, and elements of early rock'n'roll/rockabilly. The former is most evident on the opener, "Leaving My Baby" which certainly grabs the listener's attention, before the band move into classic Muddy Waters' territory with "Why My Baby Ain't Around"--all of the songs are Walsh originals. Vocally Walsh sounds a bit like a hybrid of David Johansen and Tom Waits, which fits with the way that he plays the blues. Even when things move into acoustic mode (such as the fine "Sit and Wonder"), the arrangements still feel just about right.
"Hard Luck" is mostly raucous, rowdy, good fun. Matt Walsh is a talented singer and guitarist who knows how to write a good tune, and how to get the best out of it. Fans of Magic Slim will certainly find much to admire here.
Rating: 8 - Gordon Baxter
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