Blues
Recorded in San Francisco in 1992 with producer/harpist Mark Hummel's band of the time, but not released until 2005 for reasons that are not explained in the liner notes, this is better than average traditional Chicago blues from one of the genre's creators. All 14 tracks were cut in a single eight-hour session with no time for overdubs at the end of one of Arnold's tours, which adds a more edgy but still professional tone to the album. Hummel's tight band included a young Rusty Zinn on guitar and noted blues pianist Tom Mahon, both of whom take their share of solos and push Arnold to some of his better late-period performances. The program runs through standard Chicago shuffles and tempos, with tough remakes of Billy Boy's own big hits such as "I Ain't Got You," "You Got Me Wrong," and the dependable "I Wish You Would" as icing on the cake. Hummel keeps the sound stripped down and his band doesn't hot dog the proceedings, while providing a solid and energized backup for Arnold's expressive vocals and sturdy harp. While the world probably doesn't need another version of his old friend Bo Diddley's "I'm a Man," this one adds extra verses most blues fans haven't heard. Arnold pays tribute to Little Walter by including a cover of Walter's arrangement of "Me and Piney Brown." He also brings a few tracks from his mentor, Sonny Boy Williamson I, with "Sonny Boy's Jump" and "I Hear My Name Ringing." Consider this a warm-up for the harp master's unexpectedly successful 1993 Alligator comeback, but it's a powerful session on its own that proves Arnold hadn't lost a step since his '60s heyday.
By Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide.
**
While Billy Boy Arnold did not receive the publicity and public acclaim of some of his contemporaries, I'd think long and hard before writing off this old fox. This veteran Chicago bluesman played a part in the birth of the unique Chicago blues sound of the 50s. British superstars, Eric Clapton, the Animal, David Bowie, the Yardbirds and more covered his songs. He also influenced countless up and coming young blues stars.
Recorded in 1992 and produced by West Coast harmonica master Mark Hummel, Consolidated Mojo shows Arnold as still a force to be reckoned with. Backed by Hummel's touring band, the Blues Survivors, Billy Boy delivers 14 dynamite tracks of pure, unadulterated Chicago Blues. The presence of the Blues Survivors is a definite plus, with Rusty Zinn on guitar, but Arnold is in great vocal form, and blows some real nice harp. If anything, Billy Boy Arnold may have gotten better with age. You'll find no fireworks here, but this piece is rock solid, easy on the ears and full of heart and soul. Guys like Arnold are a dying breed…long live the true Blues survivors! In short, Consolidated Mojo comes highly recommended. This is Chicago blues at its finest.
By Bill Wilson.
**
Billy Boy Arnold- Vocal
Rusty Zinn- Guitar
Tom Mahon- Piano
Mark Bohn- Drums
**
01. I'm a Man 3:39
02. Me and Piney Brown 3:29
03. Here's My Picture 2:35
04. Sonny Boy's Jump 2:33
05. I Ain't Got You 3:00
06. If You Would Just Let Me Love You 3:17
07. I Hear My Name Ringing 3:15
08. I Wish You Would 3:51
09. She Fooled Me 3:58
10. You Got Me Wrong 5:32
11. My Heart Is Crying 4:09
12. Prisoner's Plea 3:33
13. Low Down Blues 5:31
14. Dirty Muther Fuyer 4:20
**
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