Customer Reviews

Candy Lickin' Man

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If your a blues purist, chances are you won't enjoy the debut CD by Chicago blues artist, Chico Banks. However, if your a fan of all styles of blues like myself, "Candy Lickin' Man" is money well spent. Banks clearly demonstrates influences from the likes of Albert King, Otis Rush, as well as the artist formerly known as Prince on this CD. Although his high pitched voice may turn off some blues fans who are used to a raspy blues vocalist, Banks posesses all of the traits necessary to be a blues superstar in the 90's: guitar work, songwriting, personality, and a touch of swagger. In the title song, Banks' boasts that "no other man can compare to me." Considering that Banks is easy on the eyes as well as talented, one can picture many screaming women during this tune. His remake of the Albert King classic "Angel of Mercy" is well done, while the highlight of the CD is a smokin' duet with Mavis Staples on "It must be love." Banks shows some versatility as well when he slows things down on "Groove Me," a perfect slow dance song. Chico Banks is a multi-talented bluesman who should continue to satisfy fans for years to come.

I first saw Chico Banks in 2000 at a Chicago Blues Club. The moment I walked in, I realized I had made a discovery. Here was this guy on stage laying out licks that had mezmerized the audience and me too, as I staggered to quickly find a seat.

I go to see him live as often as I can, each time he astounds me anew with smokin', exciting and riveting blues from his masterful guitar playing and soulful artistry. This album is the only way I can recapture a live experience anytime I want.

Chico Banks has suceeded in capturing his intense, hypnotic, gifted blues/rock guitar onto this CD. He has that voice not unlike Smokey Robinson, which clearly adds to the exquisite interpretation of the blues at their finest. Mr. Banks has all the right stuff to step up and break thru the wall that keeps blues from mainstream music on the radio and everywhere else. We need great music like this to get back to the reasons we love music. This CD takes us with a master to an inspired place we all appreciate, once we arrive. Thanks, Mr. Banks.

Chico is not one of those "run of the mill" type of guitar players. He is here to stay. His cd I have listened to, and I loved it. It is a mixture of eclectic sounds ranging from down-home blues to r&b. He's great! Try his cd out everybody and go to Chicago to see him live because he's an awesome live performer as well.

I saw Chico Banks and his band live at Sweet Home Blue Chicago. This CD does justice to his unusual Blues style. If you want to get loose, relax, and be entertained this CD belongs in your collection!

For true blues fans, Chico's -not- very bluesy. For chops freaks, his chops aren't even close to the 'real' guys. Kinda stuck in between styles, he gets over well enough with a boozed up crowd, (although I'm pretty sure even the drunks don't really like his singing). To make matters worse, his live show is filled with time wasting- lame attempts at humor, and long, private, (on-stage), discussions with his band-of-the-day on how the next song goes.

A friend gave this CD to me so I gave it a listen. With 1 exception, this is all sub-average imitations of great old blues masters. But even the title song is taken from a famous song. Wow!- Go for the original artists- they are so much better. Someone rated this as "4 stars? oh, I had to speak up! Too many great artists..Buddy Guy,(many Grammy's, still kickin hard!) Or- Albert King, Mudddy Waters, Hendrix.. the list goes on forever! Let this guy do late nite clubs!