Troy Turner: Blues on My Back

Baton Rouge bluesman Troy Turner dips into a variety of bags with authority on Blues on My Back (Telarc 83448; 48:47). A decided Jimi Hendrix-Stevie Ray Vaughan influence comes into play on the rock-tinged title track and also on a ripping rendition of Duke Robillard’s “If This Is Love” while his funky ice pickin’ take on “Black Cat Bone” is a clear homage to Albert Collins. “Protection” is more aligned with the dance floor, a la Prince & The Revolution or Morris Day & The Time. On the old school tip, Turner can shuffle with the earthiest of ’em, as he so capably demonstrates on Freddie King’s “Hideaway,” the classic “Mojo Boogie” and a revved up organ-fueled “Baby Let’s Play House.” His Louisiana roots come across on “World Without Fear,” with its rolling parades beats, but he stakes out his most original territory on ballads like the moody minor key lament “Lonely Cafe,” “It’s Harder Now” and the subtle, bossa-flavored blues “Going Back To Louisiana.” One of the best of the new guard of bluesmen.

Originally Published January 1, 2000