Big Delta

Omar & The Howlers

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 12, 2002)
• Original Release Date: February 12, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blind Pig
• ASIN: B00005YWIO
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #67,758 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Omar Dykes's assertive rocking roots music comes from an aural intersection where Howlin' Wolf meets John Fogerty deep in the heart of Texas, getting its power from a big beat and the evocative resonance of Dykes's rumbling vocals. The charismatic Dykes, born in Bo Diddley's home town in Mississippi, has made his band a stalwart of the Austin blues scene for a couple of decades, but Big Delta puts the spotlight squarely on him, and he rises to the occasion with his most satisfying recording yet.

Dykes surrounds himself with an all-star edition of the Howlers and elevates and expands some of his best material, demonstrating more depth and diversity in his playing while retaining the primal power of his trademark growling blues approach. Bassist Roscoe Beck, best known for his work with guitarists Robben Ford and Eric Johnson, is a key to much of the recording's musical success, but he's ably assisted by veteran drummers Terry Bozzio and Frosty Smith, who split percussion duties. Worldbeat star Malcolm "Papa Mali" Welbourne supplies some exotic sonic spice via guitar, sitar, and dobro to Dykes's meat-and-potatoes guitar solos. The band rips it up from first note to last, blasting through an anthemic "Wall of Pride," snaking through a swampy "Mystery Walk," and even successfully reviving and reinventing the Mountain hit "Mississippi Queen." Other highlights include a percussion-driven rendition of Dykes's autobiographical "Muddy Springs Road," the deep blues workout of "Life Without You," and a forceful take on "Monkey Land". --Michael Point

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Down Home Delta Feel!, March 31, 2002

By	deepbluereview "deepbluereview" (SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

On his latest release, Omar "Kent" Dykes revisits some songs from his past CD's giving them a slightly revised Delta interpretation and, at the same time adds a couple of new tunes as well as a cover of Felix Pappalardi's Mississippi Queen. The CD features the drums of Terry Bozzio and the bass of Roscoe Beck on various track for a super tight rhythm section. Also featured on the disc is Papa Mali ("Thunder Chicken") who accompanies Omar on slide and sitar guitar. The CD showcases Omar's versatility and talent and successfully gives old time Delta musicians a nod while retaining originality.
The only soft spot would be the inclusion of "Mississippi Queen" which, other than the title, seems to be out of place here. Otherwise, a fine release.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A stable and solid release from Omar & The Howlers, December 9, 2003

By	L. B. Ivarsson (Rock City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One might wonder what Omar & The Howlers (i.e Ken Dykes) want with this release because most of the tracks are already recorded and released earlier. The only (artistic) reason would be that Omar have changed his opinion about how some previously released songs would be arranged, and now wants to set the record straight. Even if some songs sounds a bit different from the original versions it's not obvious that these new recordings are better versions. Omar have also decided to cover Mountain's "Mississippi queen", but I believe that this slower version doesn't add anything special to the otherwise great track. This album is of course worth having, either you're a big time fan of Omar & The Howlers or just a blues lover who's seeking an introduction to this band.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Big Delta, November 5, 2006

By	G. Carlberg - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I actually discovered this artist and CD from the recommendations at Amazon.com. I'm very glad I did, it's really, really good.