Catfish Keith – Wild Ox Moan
Fish Tail Records
15 Tracks – 59 minutes
Catfish Keith, the maestro of traditional acoustic blues, returns with his 22nd album, "Wild Ox Moan," a sonic journey that delves into the Delta blues while seamlessly intertwining elements of American roots music. The album, released under Fish Tail Records, showcases Catfish Keith's profound understanding of the genre, offering 15 tracks that span the breadth of blues history.
Known for his virtuosity on various instruments and his distinctive vocal style, Catfish Keith is a stalwart figure in the blues scene. His extensive career has earned him accolades, including induction into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame and Blues Blast Music Awards for Best Acoustic Guitarist and Best Acoustic Blues Album. With "Wild Ox Moan," Catfish Keith continues to solidify his position as a master of the acoustic blues tradition.
The album kicks off with the original composition "Don't Know Right from Wrong," a homage to Memphis blues legend Frank Stokes. Catfish's soulful vocals, paired with intricate strumming and slide guitar work on his Santa Cruz Catfish Special, set the tone for the journey ahead.
As the album unfolds, Catfish pays tribute to blues pioneers like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Blind Joe Taggart, infusing new life into their classic tunes. The title track, "Wild Ox Moan," sourced from Vera Hall, captures the essence of Delta blues with Catfish's expressive slide guitar on a National Reso-Phonic Baritone Tricone.
Interspersed with covers, Catfish weaves in four original compositions that add a personal touch to the album. "World Gone Wrong" on a Ralph Bown 12-string guitar carries an energetic vibe, while "Swim Deep, Pretty Mama" revisits a track from Catfish's 1992 Cherry Ball album.
Catfish's versatility shines as he transforms Nancy Wilson's jazz classic "How Glad I Am" into a traditional country blues rendition. The unexpected inclusion of "Cool Water" from The Sons of The Pioneers, played on his 12-string, showcases Catfish's ability to reimagine familiar tunes with a unique twist.
The instrumental tracks on the album, such as "Saturday Night Rub" and "Spinach for Old Popeye," highlight Catfish's instrumental prowess. Whether playing clawhammer banjo on a Pete Howlett Resolele Prototype uke or delivering Lil Son Jackson's Texas blues on the Fraulini Loretta, Catfish demonstrates his mastery across a range of instruments.
"Wild Ox Moan" concludes with a vibrant instrumental, Dave Evans's "Mole's Moan," leaving listeners with a sense of awe at Catfish Keith's instrumental finesse.
In each track, Catfish Keith's warm, strong vocals and expertly played instruments create a captivating atmosphere. The album's eclectic selection of songs, ranging from obscure titles to unexpected covers, provides a rich tapestry of acoustic blues traditions.
"Wild Ox Moan" not only pays homage to the roots of blues but also serves as a testament to Catfish Keith's ongoing commitment to preserving and evolving the acoustic blues genre. This album is a must-listen for blues enthusiasts and anyone looking to embark on a journey through the rich history of American roots music.
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