Tony Holiday – Motel Mississippi
8 Tracks – 25 minutes
Tony Holiday, a harmonica maestro and blues enthusiast, embarks on a Delta-soaked adventure with his latest release, "Motel Mississippi." The eight-track album, clocking in at a succinct 25 minutes, is a musical exploration that delves into the heart of the Delta blues tradition while infusing fresh and unexpected elements into the mix.
Holiday, originally from Salt Lake City but now firmly rooted in the soulful blues scene of Memphis, has been making waves with his collaborative projects, notably the "Porch Sessions" series. However, "Motel Mississippi" marks his second solo album, following the release of "Soul Service" in 2020. The compact nature of the album does not diminish its impact; instead, it serves as a concise and focused showcase of Holiday's harmonica prowess and soulful vocal delivery.
The opening track, a cover of Paul Wine Jones' "Rob and Steal," immediately sets the tone with a swampy and funky vibe. Dave Gross's guitar work, coupled with the distinctive sound of the accordion, creates a sonic landscape that feels rooted in the blues but ventures into uncharted territory. Holiday's harmonica takes center stage on "Get By," a song that exudes raw energy and showcases his ability to convey emotion through his instrument.
The blues heavyweight Victor Wainwright makes his presence felt on "Trouble," contributing his signature clavinet to the mix. The collaboration between Wainwright and Holiday adds depth to the song, with Holiday's vocals carrying a plea for trouble to stay away. "She's So Cold" introduces a bouncy blues rhythm, with Holiday singing about being under the spell of an enigmatic woman.
The album continues to unfold with the energetic "Just As Gone," featuring a lively train beat rhythm and Aubrey McGrady's slide guitar work. "Nobody but You" slows things down, with Holiday expressing love for a woman despite the wrongs she's done. The swampy and rhythmic "You Know Who I Am" captures the essence of the Delta, and Holiday's vocals invite the listener to disregard gossip and judgments.
The final track, an instrumental titled "Yazoo River," takes the listener on a moving journey. The absence of vocals allows the instruments to tell a story, with each note contributing to the overall narrative. The track captures the spirit of the Delta and serves as a fitting conclusion to the musical odyssey of "Motel Mississippi."
Throughout the album, Tony Holiday's harmonica remains a captivating force. His collaboration with A.J. Fullerton, who co-wrote six of the eight songs and co-produced the album, adds layers of complexity to the compositions. The diverse lineup of musicians, including Dave Gross, Audrey McCrady, Terence Grayson, Lee Williams, Jr., Jake Friel, and Mikey Junior, contributes to the rich tapestry of sounds.
"Motel Mississippi" may be short in duration, but it is long on impact. Tony Holiday succeeds in blending traditional Delta blues with contemporary elements, creating an album that pays homage to the roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre. The result is a soul-stirring and highly enjoyable musical experience that captures the essence of the Delta blues tradition in a fresh and compelling way.
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