THE JOE MOSS BAND (Self Titled)
by Tom Branson gottheblues.com
While many of the younger artists in blues and blues rock are devoted disciples of Stevie Ray and Hendrix, there are also many who follow in the footsteps of the great Chicago blues artists like Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, etc. Among the more impressive of these is Chicago (where else?) native Joe Moss. Known as one of the Windy City's hardest working musicians, Moss works a "normal" schedule of up to 28 shows per month and is a regular performer at both Buddy Guy's Legends and the House of Blues. He has toured Spain with Buddy Guy and recorded with him as well. He lists among others Magic Slim, A.C. Reed, and Zora Young as former employers, and has toured with them in many foreign countries as well as routinely appearing with them in an around Chicago.
With such great credentials and experience, it was simply a matter of time before Joe Moss would produce a solo recording, and his 1997 release "The Joe Moss Band" would be the first of what will surely be many more to come. The recording features 11 originals and one cover, with Joe Moss not only displaying his considerable skills as guitarist and singer, but song writer as well. The material is mostly uptempo Chicago blues and blues/rock with a dash of R&B for good measure. At the heart of each track is Moss' stinging guitar and powerful vocals. His band is pretty good also, and includes Paul Rzewuski on drums, Joe Campagna on rhythm guitar, and Jon Richter on bass.
Highlights of the recording include the soulful blues of "So Blue", the ferocious Otis Rush like guitar of "Jealous", the band's cover of Freddie King's instrumental jewel "Just Pickin'", and the hard driving "Cold Hearted". |
