Big Bill Morganfield: Ramblin’ Mind

With a menacing baritone vocal delivery and some nasty slide guitar work, Big Bill Morganfield continues carrying on in the spirit of his famous father, Muddy Waters, on Ramblin’ Mind. The strongest examples on this sophomore release are his self-penned rocker “Roll With Me,” the laid-back country-blues shuffle “What’s the Matter?” and his deep-blue duet with Taj Mahal on “Strong Man Holler.” Big Bill’s “Ramblin’ Mind” is a bouncy number coming right out of Daddy’s “Rollin’ and Tumblin’,” while his “Dirty Dealin’ Mama,” featuring Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, is cast in the spirit of Muddy’s “Hoochie Coochie Man.” Bill Lupkin offers some rough, Little Walter-style harmonica honking on “Troubles” and Taj reappears on the affecting country-blues closer, “You’re Gonna Miss Me.” Like last year’s acclaimed debut, Rising Son, Ramblin’ Mind proves once again that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Originally Published June 1, 2001