November 2001

Steve Freund
I'll Be Your Mule
Delmark Records

By Bill Milkowski

Steeped in the Chicago tradition, Steve Freund worked with the likes of Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Luther Allison, Koko Taylor and James Cotton before branching out on his own. On his second release as a leader, I'll Be Your Mule (Delmark 752; 65:04), Freund carries on that authentic Chicago tradition in winning originals like "You Were a Good Old Ride," the poignant "My Life Is Changing" and "Fittin' to Go" while flaunting some sizzling guitar licks along the way.