One of my favorite blues shows of all time, was when I got to see Studebaker John and the Hawks at what was then our great local blues club. It was an utterly mesmerizing experience and one I certainly will not forget. One can only imagine my excitement when Delmark Records sent me his newest release "That's The Way You Do".

Studebaker John has been around for a long time. Born in Chicago, he started playing harmonica at the age of 7 and his band Studebaker John and the Hawks, a reference based on a car he still owns, was formed in the early 70's. From that point on there was really no stopping Studebaker John as he confindentaly travelled down the Chicago Blues highway, heading straight into the lap of Legendary status.

"That's The Way You Do" consists of 15 tracks, all new and all written by Studebaker John (John Grimaldi). Accompanying Studebaker on "That's The Way You Do" are Rick Kreher (Guitar/Background Vocals), and Steve Cushing (Drums), both seasoned veterans of the Chicago Blues Scene. Studebaker John plays Slide Guitar and Harp, along with Vocals on this Album.

When it comes to Chicago Blues, especially the old style variety, there really isn't anyone better out there nowadays. He plays them Pure and Raw, taking no prisoners and offering no mercy as he burns through the finest sounding Blues many of us have probably heard this year, with his great vocals, and finely seasoned Harp and Guitar work, all coming together with Rick and Steve completing this magical trip back to the basics.

From the opening title track, "That's The Way You Do", to the final track, "Taylor Street Boogie", you can't help but become as Studebaker John puts it, "Maxwell Street Bound".  "That's The Way You Do", is surely the finest representation of Chicago Blues, especially Maxwell Street Blues you will have probably ever heard. Superb Harp and Jaw Dropping Slide Guitar is just the icing on the cake for this not often heard Bluesy treat.

Studebaker John and his Maxwell Street Kings, have pulled out all the stops for this release, taking us back to a great time and having us not wanting leave.

For lovers of true and tested Chicago Blues, "That's The Way You Do", from Delmark Records is a must have and Highly Recommended Album.

Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

Additional Info

Tracklist

1. That's the Way You Do 4:08
2. Side By Side 5:49
3. Fine Cadillac 5:46
4. Headin' Down to Maxwell Street 5:10
5. If You Would Love Me 4:54
6. B-Line 4:16
7. So in Love With You 3:20
8. Son of the Seventh Son 5:54
9. Low Down Woman 4:00
10. When Your Mule Won't Ride 4:48
11. Shake It 3:52
12. I'll Always Be the Same 3:11
13. A Fool Just Like Me 4:02
14. Steppin' Stone 5:11
15. Taylor Street Boogie 6:23

Listen To Samples Here...

Album Notes

Maxwell Street Kings pay homage to the early days of Chicago Blues, to a time when the open air market on Maxwell Street rang with the blues sound of street musicians; when musical giants like Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Hound Dog Taylor, Little Walter, Elmore James, and JB Hutto could be heard in steamy clubs on the city's south and west sides; and when the Chicago Blues of Chess Records ruled the air waves. Maxwell Street Kings capture the spirit of that era when Chicago Blues were raw, primal, and oh so vital. A prolific songwriter, Studebaker John's compositions have been covered by many other artists and his recordings have appeared in films and on television. Studebaker John on vocals, guitar, harp; Rick Kreher on guitar and Steve Cushing on drums. Contains 15 new Studebaker John songs.

 Additional Info

http://www.studebakerjohn.com/index.html