Aaron Moore: Hello World

Rowdy barrelhouse pianist Aaron Moore is carrying on in the effervescent style of such pioneering piano pounders as Roosevelt Sykes and Memphis Slim. On his debut as a leader, Hello World (Delmark DE-695; 69:52), the longtime sideman to such Chicago blues heavyweights as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Hound Dog Taylor offers up infectious shuffles, slow blues and boogie woogies in a straightforward, no-frills manner. Guitarist James Wheeler provides some crisp, tasty accompaniment throughout and is backed by the bare-bones rhythm section of drummer Robert ‘Huckleberry Hound’ Wright and bassist Willie Black. There’s a sameness to the program here but blues fans who appreciate authentic Chicago-by-way-of-Mississippi piano playing would be well advised to pick up on this rootsy disc.

Originally Published April 1, 1997