Willie Big Eyes Smith – Way Back
The title is fitting, as Willie Big Eyes Smiths career covers more than half a century, including stints playing harmonica with Bo Diddley and drumming for Muddy Waters. Smith makes a smooth transition from sideman to frontman on Way Back, writing six of the eleven songs and demonstrating a spirited vocal style as lead singer. He plays harmonica on seven tracks and drums on two others. On the originals If You Dont Believe Im Leaving and Eye To Eye, hes full of vigor as he handles the classic blues themes of loss and regret. He sounds out a warning on Sonny Boy Williamsons Dont Start Me Talking and pays tribute to harmonica great Little Walter on Tell Me Mama. The album has the feel of a Chicago blues reunion, as Smith is joined by several alumni of Muddys bands, including James Cotton (harmonica), Pinetop Perkins (piano) and Bob Margolin. At 70, Smith shows that he and the blues still roll on.