Shoulder to Shoulder

Cephas & Wiggins, John Cephas | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 27, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Alligator Records
• ASIN: B000FQJPCS
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,808 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Chicago Tribune

...describing a typical Cephas & Wiggins performance, "just down-home, traditional country blues delivered with feeling."

Product Description

Almost immediately after guitarist/vocalist John Cephas joined forces with harmonicist/vocalist Phil Wiggins in 1978, the blues community took them to heart. Critics and fans proclaimed them as the new champions of the East Coast Piedmont style of blues, a style of music first popularized by artists like Blind Boy Fuller, Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Willie McTell and Blind Blake. They have performed for people all over the world, from tiny living rooms for only a handful of people to major blues festivals and in front of thousands. They even entertained at President Clinton's inaugural party in 1997.

Cephas & Wiggins -- whose style and appeal is often compared to that of an earlier Tidewater duo, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee -- keep the tradition alive by infusing it with their own originality, vitality, and, most importantly, fun. The duo celebrates the gentle, melodic blues style of the southeastern U.S. with every performance. According to Living Blues, Cephas & Wiggins "remain today's premier blues guitar and harmonica duo." The Washington Post said, "Remarkable guitar and harmonica duets. Their infectious rhythms and supple melodies combine tasteful fingerpicking with impassioned harmonica solos."

Their fourth album for Alligator, Shoulder To Shoulder, Cephas & Wiggins' spirited and seamless mix of both original and classic material sheds a bright light on Piedmont blues. Of the album's 12 songs, Cephas wrote or co-wrote six. With the solid mix of brilliantly played music fueled by Cephas' gently rolling guitar and vocals and driven by Wiggins' freight train chugging harmonica, Shoulder To Shoulder is the antidote for anyone who still thinks blues music is a soundtrack for sadness. According to Wiggins, "People automatically think of sadness and depression when they think of blues. But the blues is uplifting music, music to rejuvenate you, to nourish the spirit. When you get down, the blues will pick you up again." The duo is joined by pianist Ann Rabson (Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women) on six tracks, pianist Daryl Davis on one and bassist Andrew Volpe on two.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cephas & Wiggins perform a style of endangered blues, June 1, 2008

By 

Tim Holek - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shoulder to Shoulder (Audio CD)

For nearly 30 years, John Cephas & Phil Wiggins have been a premier combination. They are skilled in performing Piedmont Blues. This melodic and acoustic brand of blues came from the tidewater region of Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. It was popularized by Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Willie McTell, Blind Blake, and more recently Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Cephas, a former carpenter, wrote six new originals for the album. There are also a half-dozen cover songs from the likes of Sleepy John Estes, Blind Boy Fuller, Skip James, and Sonny Boy Williamson. On them, it is daunting how the venerable duo transports you to the past while not allowing you to become trapped.

These thoroughly enjoyable 51-minutes are all about the songs, not the solos. With a baritone voice, 76 year old Cephas delivers smooth and clear lyrics. His guitar work is gentle while Wiggins adds heavy harmonica. It is rejuvenating on Ain't Seen My Baby. If he was plugged in, 52 year old Wiggins - who learned to play by listening to recordings of Sonny Terry, Little Walter, and both Sonny Boys - would single-handedly create an electrical storm. With a natural feel, their music is simple and complex.

Unlike their many other releases, this CD features Ann Rabson and Daryl Davis as guest pianists. Recorded live earlier this year at The Democratic Club in Washington, D.C. (where Cephas & Wiggins were born), The Blues Three Ways features Davis' trembling treble hand while I Did Do Right reveals Rabson's boisterous keyboards. On I Won't Be Down and Seattle Rainy Day Blues, the partners are accompanied by piano and Andrew Volpe's chugging bass. The arrangement on the former is a treasure piece. Urban polish is added to rural muck on the standout track All I've Got Is Them Blues. Throughout, Cephas' finger picked guitar is constantly subtle. As on Catfish Blues, you never know where Wiggins' free-roaming harp is going to travel. When it starts to stray, the guitar acts like a faithful sheepdog and reels it back in. Cephas' nonchalant and unpretentious voice is the perfect companion for the distressing lyrics of Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?

On Shoulder To Shoulder, Cephas & Wiggins perform a style of endangered blues in a stress-relieving and contenting fashion. Although acoustic blues can be mistakenly declared dull and boring, Cephas & Wiggins brighten this fading American art form. Why don't you allow them to give you a new, or renewed, lease on country blues?

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Shouldermusic, October 5, 2007

By 

TuckyBourb "Blues" (AL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shoulder to Shoulder (Audio CD)

A nice CD. Has some good music. If you like lots of harmonica, this is a good CD for you!

Tucky