Search - Mighty Mo Rodgers :: Blues Is My Wailin Wall

A breath of fresh air

12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album packs a wicked punch over the initial three tracks, particularly "Heaven's Got the Blues", where Rodgers vocals are nail tough and soulful. After that, the intensity moderates somewhat; the rest of the album unfolds somewhat more traditionally and smolders while occasionally catching fire. "Willie B and Me" is an outstanding ode to old friendship, "Tuskegee Blues" is a scathing indictment of policy and hypocricy. The lyrics are always defiant, inventive and clever without being annoying or cloying, the musicianship is top-notch, the guitar tone is fantastic, and the production is superb, oddly reminding me of the sound of my favorite Los Lobos albums. If you think the blues is a tired idiom or are weary of cliche, this album will definitely reshape your views."

MO, MO, MO!

Kevin Yeager | Mountain view,, CA United States | 10/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really enjoy blues, but my favorite style of blues is the hard and fast guitar driven, rockin' blues (Popa Chubby, Jimmy Thackery, Too SLim and the Taildragger,...). Occasionally I find a new artist that shifts my perspective on what makes a really good blues album. This was one of those albums. It is full of powerful mood shifting music that grabs a hold of your emotional center and carries you with it.Nothing is over the top, rhythms are tight and controlled, the guitar and bass are energetic and sharp, but don't overwhelm other aspects of the music. Mo's vocals are gritty and full of genuine emotion, never forced or strained beyond his abilities. The writing is sharp and interesting; I found myself on several occasions humming or singing several of these to myself; my favorites are the title track, and the "Kennedy Song". I have just one problem; I still can't make out the last word(s) in the chorus on "The Kennedy Song"; ,"... he was a victim of the ultimate ... tried fact?,... true fact?,... anyhow, this is a minor knitpik on a truely exceptional album.I can't believe someone with talent like this has never recorded solo before. I hope he found it satisfying, because I look forward to hearing something else from him. ky"

A prophet of the blues, Take us out of the Blues Desert!

deepbluereview | 11/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A terrific CD with deep meaning with all of the best of blues and R&B. I highly recommend this album as I have seen him here in LA several times and his stage performace is just as good! Very lissenable with my favorite's being "No Regrets" a traditional blues tune with a nod to the blues gods and "Shame" a millinium song that smokes! There are several other tunes I liked including "Willie B. and Me", "Gone Fishing", "Sweet Soul Music" and the Title track "Blues is my Wailin' Wall".This was a Terrific Album give it a listen!"