Carl Weathersby: Come to Papa

On Come to Papa Carl Weathersby shows the considerable influence of Albert King in both his singing and guitar playing, though he favors slicker, more contemporary-sounding arrangements than the late blues legend, as he demonstrates on the funky title track and the Memphis R&B number “Leap of Faith.” A member of Chicago’s Sons of the Blues from 1982 to 1996, Weathersby has released four CDs since going off on his own. He flaunts his blistering chops on “You Better Think About It,” on two Albert King signature numbers, “(I Feel Like) Breakin’ Up Somebody’s Home” and “Floodin’ in California” and on the slow blues “Walking the Back Streets and Cryin’.” Then he settles into a relaxed, soulful groove on a laid-back rendition of Johnny Moore’s classic “Drifting Blues,” a breakthrough hit for Charles Brown some 55 years ago. Recorded in Memphis, Weathersby’s fourth features cameo appearances from soul singer Ann Peebles, the Memphis Horns (Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love) and organist Lucky Peterson, who also contributes the funky anthem “A Good Man Is Hard to Find.”

Originally Published January 1, 2001