Think of Me
As the originator of the anthemic, near ubiquitous "The Blues Is Alright," Little Milton could easily coast on his laurels, riding out his days as elder statesman to the soul/blues genre he practically created and certainly popularized since his Sun label days in the early '50s. Though perhaps not as much an ambassador for the blues form as the similarly styled B.B. King, Milton remains just as revered for his longevity, tenacity, and talent.For his 2005 Telarc label debut, the 71-year-old guitarist/singer/songwriter found a kindred spirit in producer/guitaristJon Tiven. Together, they composed all the songs for a remarkably consistent comeback. Discarding the strings, horns, and lavish production that blues purists often felt drowned Milton's substantial talents, Tiven keeps the sound lean and tough. Milton responds with his toughest performance in years, wading in the Southern swamps for "Next to You," pleading with that patented aged-whiskey voice on the sumptuous "Reconsider Me," and tearing into the superb soul-blues style he's best known for on the crackling mid-tempo opener "Gonna Find Me Somebody to Love." Those new to Little Milton's legendary talents--and even older fans who might have lost track throughout the years--will find the icon in splendid form on this magnificent release.--Hal Horowitz