Customer Reviews

Hold Me to It

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From the opening bars of the first cut, the rollicking "All You Left Behind", to the final slide of "Wee Baby Blues", the disc's forlorn finale, Bob Margolin is every bit the master and keeper of the Chicago blues sound. This release is made up primarily of his own tunes, although he throws in a couple of worthy chesnuts, including the danceable cuts "Stick Out Your Can", and "Slammin' 'Em Down." The wide-ranging and eclectic selections include an introspective pairing of tunes in the middle of the playlist. "No Consolation" sounds as if it could have emerged directly from the Mississippi Delta of the 1930's, but resonates with a timeless theme. It is followed by a bar-closing instrumental, "Consolation," in which Bob's slide guitar is well-complemented by his sister Sherry's piano work. The album's most sideways step is Margolin's take on Bob Dylan's "Not Dark Yet." It's a departure from the rest of the album, but it's hard to deny Margolin this indulgence, as the tune is well-suited to Margolin's playing, and his passion for the song is obvious. It took me a few plays to adjust to his voice, but it works in the end. This album is a worthy effort overall, and has only improved with repeated playing for me. Margolin's guitar keens and wails, the tempo jumps up and down, and I feel like somewhere, Muddy Waters must be smiling.

This album is a real joy for fans of authentic Chicago blues as well as those who want to know who is REALLY keeping the blues alive and kicking! The title cut may be the most honest song you'll ever get from a man!" Mean Old Chicago"will make you grind your teeth and send shivers up and down your spine-and as a testament to this artist' talent/integrity-i saw Bob open his portion of the Western Maryland Blues Festival with this song, and the recorded performance is so alive, the only thing missing is the band standing in front of you!-and the Band?-they connect and groove with Bob like a second skin! "No Consolation"(PLEASE check out the Sample!)has all the feeling you need to take a trip down a long 'ol Mississippi road to the blues..."Hard Feelings" , surely must be a modern-day Blues masterpiece. Bob flows easily from gritty electric to vintage acoustic moods,stopping along the way to give you a heartfelt taste of Dylan,(It's Not Dark Yet) and even a beautiful,gospel-tinged instrumental collaboration"Consolation"(With sister Sherry Margolin on piano)that sings with sweetness.Every cut has something special to offer-Cool lyric lines-"All You Left Behind" Great party/dance tunes"Slam Em Down", and "Stick out your Can". Bob's guitar playing is so soulful in general,and his slide playing absolutely feverish-please don't miss it! On this album, Bob also keeps all cuts to a nice length-Pulling you in, tellin' his story, and leavin' you satisfied- This album's gonna be the best money you spent on the blues in a long, long time-

Mr Bob Margolin's guitar work on this album is sheer genius he can play with a nice driving footstomping type blues that reminds you of the early days of John Lee Hooker who perfected it. This can be heard in "Hold me to it" among other songs here on this album. He can also make his guitar scream and cry using great slide work on songs such as "Mean old Chicago" He also plays with some nice acoustical work reminiscent of Robert Johnson in "No Consolation". But not only is his guitar tremendous but so are his vocals which will remind many of Little Walters way of straight and simple lyrics and the voice itself is soulfull and evokes sadness and anger just as the blues was meant to do. This album is a great album through and through. Also if you have the chance be sure to check out Bob live. Most of his guitar work live is done with a Les Paul guitar which you normally wouldn't think of as a blues guitar, but it gives him some nice clear tone to work with, and he also used a fender Stratocaster that was very very well worn you could tell that this guitar had not only been around for a long time but had been used by someone who sure did know how to play it... There is one Concert favorite on this album "Slam em down." Also look for another of Bob's albums this one on the Alligator label "Down in the alley" for "Brown Liqour" another song that is a huge concert favorite.

This album shows the range and depth of a musician who really knows his craft....a serious fan of the blues would find this a strong addition to his/her collection...new fans will be introduced to the wide range of music within the blues tradition...but don't get me wrong.. Margolin's blues on this album are pure...passionate, masterful....On some tracks, Muddy's influence can be heard, but with Bob's own stamp on it...it doesn;t get better than that...His cover of Dylan's "Not Dark Yet" is intense, leaving you wanting more....I recently saw him perform...it was great..sometimes the excitement of live shows don't come across on recordings, but if you've seen him, you won't be disappointed here...One criticism...the track " Here Comes the Garbage Man" is a great saloon song...but it doesn;t seem to fit here ....otherwise a real strong showing ....buy it..you won't be sorry...