Customer Reviews

Ace in the Hole

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ELVIN BISHOP
Ace In The Hole
Alligator ALCD 4833

The man who made blues big fun is back, and this time he has an ace in the hole. Elvin Bishop has an entertaining nature. On his third album for Alligator, he is bursting with enthusiasm, which makes for an all-around amusing experience. He began as a member of the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band and has gone on to create a string of notable solo albums. This one shows his witty songwriting talents via nine of 13 tracks.

Bishop's vocals are somewhat unique since they are half-sung and half-spoken. On occasion, he breaks into good ole fashioned story telling, e.g. "Another Mule Kickin' In Your Stall" and "Fishin'". The former contains a simple rhythm accentuated adeptly by wobbling horns and precise piano. Bishop's dramatic and expressive voice makes the mule story hilarious. On the latter, his intonations are classic! You'd never know it is a seven and a half minute song, which is a testimony to its pleasure. "Give Me Some Of That Money" contains an innovative vocal delivery, which is on the verge of rap. For some reason, Blondie's "Rapture" comes to mind when I hear this funky tune. It reflects an opinion shared by many in our society. The wrong people (sports and TV celebrities) get paid the big bucks while the rest of us spend our meager wages on unsuitable things. Randy Forrester (from the thumping piano) takes over the vocals on "Party 'Til The Cows Come Home". He is a heavy shouter who is very excited. "Home Of The Blues" is a tribute and virtual tour of Chicago's blues history and current scene. Four high-energy instrumentals exist on the album including "Fooled Around And Fall In Love" (Bishop's best known song), which features captivating guitar that mixes southern rock with country and western. The other lyric-less numbers showcase bopping horns and melodic slide guitar, which is sweet.

It would be misleading to call this pure blues music. The title track is the most bluesy, which I'm convinced is courtesy of Charlie Musselwhite's assured harp. Overall the CD is very rootsy and oh so much fun. Throughout, Bishop and Carl Lockett deliver enjoyable and solid lead guitar, while Larry Vann and the horn section drives the band with pounding drums and blasting brass. This is my favorite Elvin Bishop Alligator record.

--- Tim Holek

Elvin Bishop, a veteran of the blues and rock scene is clearly having some fun with "Ace in the Hole," with his tongue and cheek humor and witty lyrics. Bishop takes breaks in middle of some of the tracks to tell stories stemming from his somewhat "Seinfeld" slightly out of the norm outlook on life. His playful quirkiness and good natured fun would be a welcome addition to pretty much any family barbeque; he could fit right in posing as a long lost uncle, amusing grownups with tall tales and horsing around with the kids.

Bishop strays a bit from the tried and true formula that most blues guitar artists seem to follow. But the results will have you pleasantly satisfied. It would be hard not to like this record! Highlights include the catchy lyrics of "Give Me Some of That Money," "Talkin' Mood," his unforgettable story in "Fishin'," and his pop instrumental hit, "Fooled Around And Fell In Love."

I'd give it 4 and a half if I could...