reviews

If you ever wanted to listen to what the blues sounds like coming from the wilds of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the urban streets of Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas, then step up on this porch and pull up a jug. ” Old School “- That’s what I had in mind when I decided to make this album a traditional ” blues ” record. But there is no shame in honoring a tradition that is part of American history that deeply touches the soul of many people worldwide. Some folks like to call this American Roots music. I call it Old School Blues” – Mark Margolies

Produced by the legendary ” Mikey Junior “, who certainly has his pulse, and his heartbeat, firmly planted in the old-school blues traditions, this impressive release pays homage to B.B. King, Memphis Slim, Roy Brown, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Freddie King, Lowell Fulson, even Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. ” Can’t You See ” is an original tune written by Mikey Junior, with tongue planted firmly in cheek and winks to the eye – Dr. Mark is a licensed optometrist!!

Jazz and blues are often referred to as cousins. Many believe jazz came out of the blues, or that jazz has its roots in the blues. Actually, jazz and blues are like brothers, they grew up side by side. Both Jazz and Blues originated in the deep South, from the African-American communities – their work songs, spirituals, field chants and hollers. The Blues is one American folk form that unites all the strands of American popular music – gospel, country, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and even hip-hop.

This is the debut album from the Philadelphia guitar veteran Mark Margolies. He sure knows his way around his guitar as well as providing the cool vocals. Nothing sounds cluttered here, as all the instruments come through clearly, giving a stripped-down retro feel to the music. Much of it is blues with a heaping helping of jazz to attain something of a beatnik, smoky jazz joint vibe. His band mates are Dean Shot on guitar, Steve Kirsty on sax, upright and electric bass; Nick Fishman on drums, Bill Heid on piano and Mikey Junior on harmonica as well as being the producer. Mikey contributes one original song with the rest being cover songs. “Doctor Mark” also happens to be a licensed Optometrist, hence the eye chart and phoropter on the back CD cover. It also gives credence to the album title. The title song is more of an old school cool jazz song, written by Mikey Junior. Steve Kirsty’s sax and Bill Heid on piano compliment Mark’s swinging guitar tones to a “T”. The vibe continues with a reading of an obscure B.B. King song, “Jump With You Baby”. Big Bill Broonzy’s “I Feel So Good” receives a light and breezy treatment that features Mikey Junior on harmonica. The jazzy vibe pops up on “I’m Lost Without You” by Memphis Slim, with a way cool groove. Anyone that covers the late Florida based bluesman Rock Bottom (David Clark York) is aces in my book. Mark does a good turn on one of the few songs of Rock that I’m not familiar with, “Stompin’ Our Feet With Joy”. Rock gigged around Florida and established himself as a bit of a legend in Norway where there is a club named after him. Rock was a gruff voiced singer-harmonica player, as well as a Bonafide character. Mark delivers a solid rendition of Sonny Boy Williamson’s (Rice Miller) “Work With Me” with Mikey doing Sonny Boy proud with his harp stylings. Freddie King’s “Sen Sa Shun” gets a spot on presentation courtesy of Mark’s more than able guitaring.