On his third album Here I Come Mississippi born Eddie Cotton Jr. is out to prove everything is up to date on the delta. Guitarist singer songwriter Cotton performs with fire, snap and sass on the ten original tracks backed by Myron Bennett (bass), Samuel Scott, Jr. (drums) who hit each groove with calculated precision. Produced skillfully by Grady Champion for his DeChamp records, the 2010 IBC winner also makes a guest appearance adding his legendary harmonica skills to two tracks.
The album opens with the title track that finds Cotton channeling B.B King and Al Green as he ministers to the heart declaring ““Sometimes in a fight, you know you get knocked down, but when the dust clears, I’ll still be around, here I come.” Cotton then delivers an authentic slow blues plea for mercy ‘A Woman’s Love,” stretching his dynamic vocal and guitar skills. The jumpin’ shuffle “Pay To Play,” is a feisty double entendre on the fickle nature of love and the music business. All of his gospel music expertise shines through on the raise your hands ballad “Friend to the End,” with Sam Brady stepping out from the engineer booth to add luscious Hammond B3 to the chorus.
Cotton then digs into the funk for the finger popping ‘Get Your Own,’ and slow burning ‘My Boo,’ before hitting a back porch two beat “Leave Love Alone,” with Champion joining the tent revival. Cotton plays the saucy jack as he recounts a lover’s lusty conversation during the loose shuffle ‘Back In A Bit.’ Preaching the virtues of love again Cotton lifts to form of ‘People Get Ready,’ for his own message of deliverance on ‘No Love Back.’
The final track is classic Chicago shuffle ‘Berry So Black,’ with Cotton paying homage to his beloved blues and all those who labor to spread its gospel.
http://dechamprecords.com/audio.html
Rick J Bowen
