Artist: Paul Oscher
Album: Cool Cat
Label: Blues Fidelity Recordings
Release Date: 10.19.2018
Paul Oscher is one of those rare things, a true blues living legend. From his work back in the day with Muddy Waters, where Oscher was an integral cog in the Muddy Waters’ Band, until now, where his growling voice, immense multi-instrumental talent and vigor remain more than elemental, but somehow strikingly vital, he has managed to keep his eye and his heart firmly grounded in proper blues music. This is not a man given to following fads or fashions. No way: scher is a bluesman, straight, simple and at times positively stunning.
Generally viewed, at least historically, as a harp-master, Oscher has always been a more than consummate guitarist too. With Cool Cat, his latest release, we have an album that is not only aptly titled but which features much of his own musical might, from strong song-writing skills, through the inevitable harp-work to the faultlessly picked fretwork that hold echoes of his days with Muddy.
It comes as no surprise to find some Muddy Waters included in the 13-track mix, with a fierce take on one the old masters’ greatest, most covered tracks, ‘Rollin’ and Tumblin.’ But this is no simple Waters tribute release. It’s not an album that finds Oscher resting on his well-deserved blues laurels, delving back into his own remarkable past or dredging up old material from his Muddy Waters band days. With Cool Cat, Oscher has delivered an album that speaks volumes about his own tradition and heritage, while always moving that history on and up, full of sheer blues genius and class at every turn. This is a release that mirrors this exceptional man’s own talent and legacy to full effect.
—Iain Patience
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