When Lightnin' Struck the Pine
The ragged-but-righteous slide-guitar work of Arkansas eccentric CeDell Davis gets some star-studded accompaniment onWhen Lightnin' Struck the Pine, but it's the man's primal power and undeniable authenticity that shine brightest. The 76-year-old Davis, who creates a unique blues hue by using a knife blade as a slide, is the most idiosyncratic of veteran bluesmen. His metallic-toned guitar lines explode in all manner of unpredictable directions, while his vocals are raw, gritty, and well-seasoned. A diverse supporting cast, includingR.E.M.'s Peter Buck, formerScreaming Treesdrummer Barrett Martin, andBrave Combohornman Jeffrey Barnes, embellishes the rudimentary rhythmic foundation of Davis's working band without getting in the leader's way. Yes, it's a concerted effort to attract some rock attention to Davis in the manner of similarR.L. Burnsideprojects, though the result is good work for a very good cause. Davis, seemingly oblivious to all the sonic assistance, just rolls on as usual, slashing out angular solos and singing the blues like he invented them.When Lightnin' Struck the Pineexpands Davis's sound, and, let's hope, his audience, but make no mistake, Davis is the real deal--a pure and potent bluesman who effortlessly transcends trends as he creatively carries the classic tradition into a new century.--Michael Point