Baby Don't You Tear My Clothes
Although throat surgery has curtailed James Cotton's singing career, it has opened up avenues for the Chicago harpist to expand his approach. Guest vocalistsRory Block,Marcia Ball, andBobby Rushmaintain the goodtime blues feel Cotton is known for, but it's the influence of others that pushes this album into new territory.Dave Alvingrowls through a rootsy "Stealin', Stealin'" while country singer-songwriterJim Lauderdaleadds twang toSam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me." Bluegrass legendDoc Watsonoffers his distinctive high, lonesome vocals to "How Long Blues" andPeter Rowan's yodels reverberate through a sassy "Muleskinner Blues."C.J. Cheniertakes the proceedings down to Louisiana for a soulful, accordion-spiced version ofSlim Harpo's "Rainin' in My Heart." Even with all the high-profile guests, Cotton never seems like a sideman on his own album. His gutsy, unamplified harp is featured prominently, and all the elements combine to make this a classy and eclectic entry into Cotton's distinguished catalog.--Hal Horowitz