This is King's sixth album and, unlike his previous releases, it is almost entirely acoustic. Chris is the son of famed Excello artist Tabby Thomas, and here the father joins the son for several cuts, including a fine duet... more » called "Bus Station Blues" and a remake of Tabby's best known song, "Hoodoo Party." King's use of classical guitar on many of the numbers is fairly unique to blues, but with its plucky, snappy sound, it is a natural instrument for this kind of blues. Chris also uses a bit of "sampling" and other trendy effects and does it tastefully. His own songwriting reflects his eclectic background and tends to be introspective. There are also the obligatory Robert Johnson numbers ("Come in My Kitchen" and "Rambling on My Mind") and a pretty good rendition of Son House's stirring "Death Letter Blues." Overall, this is definitely an album for those of a more progressive bent. --Lars Gandil« less
This is King's sixth album and, unlike his previous releases, it is almost entirely acoustic. Chris is the son of famed Excello artist Tabby Thomas, and here the father joins the son for several cuts, including a fine duet called "Bus Station Blues" and a remake of Tabby's best known song, "Hoodoo Party." King's use of classical guitar on many of the numbers is fairly unique to blues, but with its plucky, snappy sound, it is a natural instrument for this kind of blues. Chris also uses a bit of "sampling" and other trendy effects and does it tastefully. His own songwriting reflects his eclectic background and tends to be introspective. There are also the obligatory Robert Johnson numbers ("Come in My Kitchen" and "Rambling on My Mind") and a pretty good rendition of Son House's stirring "Death Letter Blues." Overall, this is definitely an album for those of a more progressive bent. --Lars Gandil
booknblueslady | Woodland, CA United States | 01/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Red Mud the CD by Chris Thomas King demonstrates why he is a rising new star of the blues. Although he is neither young or new at thirty eight and having put in his apprenticeship touring with his father Tabby Thomas. During this time he certainly developed a good feel for the spirit of the blues and aptly demonstrates this on the cd. King is both a skillful guitarist and songwriter. On the cd of the fourteen songs, nine are originals. You can definitely feel the delta ooze on the title track of Red Mud. The cuts of his fathers songs Hoodoo Party and Bus Station Blues with vocals by Tabby Thomas are wonderful."
Run..don't walk to buy it!
jeffrey jones | Harrisburg,pa. USA | 01/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just discovered this CD in January, 2002 after buying and enjoying the artisit's latest album which I loved. "Red Mud" absolutely should have won a Grammy for best contemporary blues album in the year of its release. Need say more? I put Chris right up there with Keb Mo as the top two new bluesmen of the past decade.The title tune features great slidework and impasioned vocals, and I can't stop playing it. Chris' take on Son House's "Death Letter Blues" is another highlight.Buy this CD anywhere you can."
Chris Thomas King
Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 09/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In a sense, despite cutting his first album at the age of 17, creating a somewhat unique rap/blues style, and traveling around the world, this CD is a new beginning for King. He displays a very handsome singing voice and great guitar playing (as expected), but fresh is the down-home, back-to-the-roots approach he gives to many of these tracks. IF IT AIN'T ONE THANG, IT'S TWO is a terrific tune done to perfection, funny and funky at the same time. A real surprise and treat is RAINING ANGELS, a beautiful ballad with wonderful lyrics and strings added. It's a great closing number to this very fine CD."
Primo Baton Rouge Blues-Innovative yet with the traditional
LynnZ225 | St. Francisville, La. | 11/17/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Having been an avid fan of the Baton Rouge Blues scene for years, I find Chris Thomas King's mix of his new sounds with the more traditional classics of his father, Tabby Thomas, very enjoyable. This CD delivers everything promised in the local reviews. The guitar sound are great!"
Acoustic Blues at its Best!
LynnZ225 | 05/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It took him six albums to finally produce one acoustic gem and here, Chris Thomas King has hit full stride. The CD is a stripped down performance without much accompaniment. The result is a thoughtful and delightful soul filled acoustic CD which should be in every blues collection. Best cuts are "Red Mud", "Come On In My Kitchen" and "Death Letter Blues"."