Every country has their own Bluesmen and every country these days it seems have their artists who take the Blues back to the acoustic guitar where it was conceived.
A multi award winner in his native USA, MacLeod was a name unfamiliar tome till I heard this live recording which is a shame as this is so damned earthy and good and hearty fare.
Over the years MacLeod has plied his trade with a host of big blues names from Pee Wee Clayton to Lowell Fulson and Big Mama Thornton, and already racked up over 20 studio alums! If this live album is any reflection of the quality of those releases then I will be digging in deep to that back catalogue.
What I like most of all about MacLeod’s compositions is his willingness to let it all hang out, and it’s in these extended ramblings that some of my favourite moments came like the seven minute plus ‘Bad Magic’ which smoulders or the wonderful ‘Ain’t the Blues Evil’ that follows.
Best of although are the 14 minute take on Bukka White’s ‘Panama Ltd’ entitled ‘The New Panama Ltd.’ which even though it’s the only non-original composition here really brings out the beauty of MacLeod’s genius for storytelling; or maybe the humour of ‘Turkey Leg Woman’ or even the rather succinct ‘Long Time Road’ which gets to the point and makes it well.
We close with ‘Masters Plan’ a song that could even be the best here and shows why you should give Doug a listen.
If like me this is the first you’ve heard of Doug MacLeod you’ll certainly be wanting to hear more. If you’re already a fan, or just a casual blues fan this is a great contemporary blues record well worth adding to your collection.
