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Paul Metsa and Sonny Earl - White Boys Lost in the Blues

www.myspace.com/paulandsonny

www.paulandsonny.com 

10 songs ; 4 - covers, 6 - originals

Sonny Earl on harmonica and vocals was doing a series of gigs on Friday night at Gabby's Saloon in Northeastern Minneapolis when he lost his blind guitar player from his band. He went looking for Paul Metsa to see if he would take over that position on guitar. Sonny had only heard of Metsa, and never met him. But, when they got together, I think history was in the making as they are two very accomplished musicians. Paul has had many awards and achievements including a 1999 Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Award winner, 1994 Best Acoustic guitar award, Best Folk Artist 1986, Best Blues Vocals 1986, and on and on.

Sonny started playing harp at 9 years and practiced his craft well (and, boy, is this guy good). His sister’s boy friend had played, and after pestering him for a while, got him to get Sonny a Hohner, and he was off and running. Sonny got to jam with the late Son Seals and then brought down the house when he played with Blackfoot on the song “Train Train.”

What a gem this CD is with its Jazzy, Folky, and Blues based sound! These guys were inspired somewhat by the great duo of Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, and it’s dedicated to their memory.

They lead off with a bluesy song co-written by Metsa /Earl Called “Train from Montana.” There is Great, no, make that “Out standing” attacking harmonica by Sonny Earl, and Metsa’s fine, fine guitar licks grab you on this first song! Then, song after song thereafter, they keep your attention.

The second song is called “Cold Outside,” another one written by these fine performer- writers. These guys are so good with guitar and biting harmonica again. Check their fantastic lyrics about a woman that is warm on the outside but as cold as ice inside. The man has ice cube tears from the hurt from her. Someday, they’ll melt, but it might take a few years. Wow!

Six of the ten songs are written by one or both of this great team. The covers are “Lollipop Momma” by R. Brown, and there’s even a great rendition of Bob Dylan's “She belongs to Me.” Another good showing is on “One Way Out” by Sonny Boy Williamson, M. Sehorn, and Elmore James. Including Sonny Terry’s “White Boys Lost in the Blues,” the title cut, all are very good covers.

This CD I rank as one of my top 5 of the year. This one, like I said earlier is a Gem, meaning a must-have-and-keep in your library.Buy this one today!

Reviewer Tom "The ENERGIZER" Schlesinger is a long time Blues fan and Blues lover, a veteran of many a Blues Festivals around the mid west and Florida, and a Legendary Blues Cruiser through the Caribbean.

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