Bob Margolin – Thanks
VizzTone Label Group VT-SRR-007
10 songs – 36 minutes
In the vast landscape of blues, few names resonate as profoundly as Bob Margolin, a guitarist whose illustrious career has spanned over five decades. "Thanks," his latest release on the VizzTone Label Group, not only commemorates the 50th anniversary of Margolin's collaboration with the legendary Muddy Waters but also stands as a testament to his enduring mastery of the blues.
Margolin, armed with his trusty Gibson Archtop six-string, weaves a tapestry of acoustic blues across ten tracks, taking listeners on a journey through time and emotion. As the album's producer, mixer, and engineer, Margolin assumes full control, delivering a solo effort that showcases his multifaceted talent. The warmth of his voice, occasionally harmonizing with itself, coupled with the rich resonance of his fretwork, creates a sonic experience that is both intimate and profound.
The album opens with "Going Down to Main Street," a classic penned by Muddy Waters himself in 1952. Margolin's rendition, infused with his unique slide guitar style learned from the blues master, revitalizes the love-laden lyrics. The Band's "Shape I'm In" receives a soulful transformation, shifting from its original roots into a country-blues embrace under Margolin's skilled hands.
"Mean Old Chicago," one of four originals rearranged for the Archtop, carries echoes of early Muddy Waters, expressing sorrow for the losses in the Windy City's music community. The energy shifts with "Who," a Willie Dixon composition initially recorded by Little Walter. Margolin's upbeat delivery adds a fresh layer to this blues classic.
The collaborative effort with Muddy Waters, "Lonely Man Blues," carries the weight of regret and showcases Margolin's intricate guitar work. Transitioning seamlessly into the Margolin original "Baby Can't Be Found," the album delves into the familiar theme of romantic uncertainty.
The blues saga continues with "Hard Working Man," a slow blues written by Jimmy Rogers, offering a poignant reflection on infidelity. "For You My Love," a Paul Gayten composition frequently performed with Pinetop Perkins, injects a brighter mood into the narrative.
Margolin's introspective originals, "No Consolation" and "Just Before Dawn," bring the album to a close. The former explores the search for compassion in a world often devoid of solace, while the latter paints a vivid picture of the moments just before daybreak, a contemplative reverie.
"Thanks" is not merely an album; it's a heartfelt expression of gratitude from Bob Margolin to Muddy Waters and the blues legacy they built together. As you immerse yourself in this acoustic journey, you'll find yourself extending your own thanks to a blues master who continues to shape and enrich the genre.
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