Lightnin’ Malcolm – Eye of the Storm
11 Tracks, 50 minutes
Lightnin’ Malcolm, the blues maestro known for his raw, stomping performances in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is back with a compelling release, "Eye of the Storm," on Whiskey Bayou Records. With an extensive background, having played alongside legends like RL Burnside, T Model Ford, and Cedric Burnside, Malcolm's latest venture, produced by Tab Benoit, showcases his mastery as a one-man-band. The album, featuring eminent musicians including Brady Blade, Tab Benoit, and Tony Hall, presents a slightly fuller sound while retaining the authentic, minimalistic essence of hill country blues.
The majority of the album, comprising nine tracks, immerses listeners in the hypnotic and traditional sounds of hill country blues. However, "Too Many Nights" introduces an intriguing twist with its evident influence from country music. The standout and sonically distinct track on the record is the title song, "Eye of the Storm." A slow, sweet melody, it deviates from the album's overall vibe, resembling a classic R&B tune from the past.
Benoit's production philosophy captures live performances, leaving little room for post-production corrections. This approach ensures that artists on the Whiskey Bayou label, including Lightnin' Malcolm, maintain an unfiltered, authentic sound. The final track, "Let’s Get Together," perfectly exemplifies this, as it navigates through a song centered on courting women, complete with spontaneous, ad-libbed lyrics from Malcolm. The candidness of the recording even captures the faint laughter of band members in the background, a testament to the genuine and unscripted nature of the performance. The result is undeniably charming.
While some listeners may find the repetitive, pounding beat characteristic of hill country blues an acquired taste, fans of the genre will undoubtedly appreciate the authenticity and musicianship exhibited on "Eye of the Storm." Tab Benoit's distinctive production approach, coupled with Malcolm's skill and the contributions of guest artists, makes this album a valuable addition to any blues collection. In the world of Lightnin' Malcolm, the storm is not something to fear but rather a force to be reckoned with, and this album captures that essence brilliantly.
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