Kid Ramos: Greasy Kid Stuff

Kid Ramos, another retro-leaning guitarist who followed in Vaughan’s footsteps as resident ax-slinger in the Fabulous Thunderbirds, features the same grunge tones and reverb-laden stinging licks on Greasy Kid Stuff (Evidence 26117-2; 59:38) that he favored on his two previous outings. But this time out he’s jettisoned the horns for a more low-down, back-to-basics approach with a rotating cast of harmonica greats, including Charlie Musselwhite, Paul deLay, Rod Piazza, James Harman, Johnny Dyer, Rick Estrin and Lynwood Slim. An earthy, let-the-good-times-roll vibe prevails on this one, perhaps best exemplified by Estrin and Harman’s frolicsome duet on “It’s Hot in Here,” Rod Piazza’s “That’s What She Hollered” and a rousing Estrin-Musselwhite duet on “Harmonica Hangover.” And supporting it all is the dynamic guitar work of Ramos, one of the best ax slingers on today’s blues scene.

Originally Published January 1, 2002