Living Blues #234, November/December 2014

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Phil Wiggins

On His Own, But Not Alone

By Frank Matheis

East Coast harp master Phil Wiggins is best known for his long partnership with John Cephas. But since Cephas’ death in 2009, Wiggins has been on his own journey of discovery.

Bobby Patterson

I’m One of a Kind

By Scott M. Bock

Soul man Bobby Patterson has been a performer and player in the center of the southern soul scene for more than 50 years. With a new record and a voice that is still top tier, Patterson is once again making waves.

James Johnson

Chicken Scratch

By Jack Barlow

You know the guitar lick. That stinging chicken scratch that makes Slim Harpo’s hit Baby, Scratch My Back work. That’s James Johnson, and after many years outside of music, he is back with his first-ever release.

Eddie Cotton

Here I Come

By Scott M. Bock

Clinton, Mississippi-based Eddie Cotton continues to rise in the ranks of the next generation of bluesmen from Mississippi. Cotton’s fiery live shows have earned him a spot in the upcoming International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Slam Allen

The Soulworking Man

By Frank Matheis

Bluesman Slam Allen has carved himself a rather unique niche in the blues world—a steady gig. And even more unique is the location aboard a 4,000-passenger cruise ship.

Record Reviews

• New Releases: Billy Boy Arnold, Otis Clay and Johnny Rawls, and Eddie Clearwater
• Reissues: Arhoolie Records, Johnnie Taylor, and L.C. Cooke

Editorial

Letters to the Editor

Blues News

LB Talks To: Marcia Ball

In the Groove

Obituaries: Bobby Womack, Poonanny, Sista Monica Parker, Johnny Dyer, Steve Gannon, and others

Radio Charts

Cover photo by Bibiana Huang Matheis.

Contents photo by James Fraher.