The 100 Years of Blues of the title refers to the combined service of Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite, a fact that's fudged just a little. Bishop and Musselwhite both started playing blues in the early 1960s, which would give them well over 100 years of music when added together, but 120 Years of Blues doesn't quite have the same ring as 100 Years of Blues. All that time can be felt in the bones of this 2020 album, one that has its origins in Bishop's 2017 Big Fun Trio album. The pair felt a spark, so they decided to ...
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The 100 Years of Blues of the title refers to the combined service of Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite, a fact that's fudged just a little. Bishop and Musselwhite both started playing blues in the early 1960s, which would give them well over 100 years of music when added together, but 120 Years of Blues doesn't quite have the same ring as 100 Years of Blues. All that time can be felt in the bones of this 2020 album, one that has its origins in Bishop's 2017 Big Fun Trio album. The pair felt a spark, so they decided to head on the road in 2019 supported by nothing more than pianist/guitarist Bob Welsh, a tour that spilled into the studio for 2020's 100 Years of Blues. The three musicians are occasionally accompanied by Kid Andersen here, but he, along with Welsh, feel like tasteful accents to Bishop's growling guitar and Musselwhite's lonesome harp. Given this title, it's no surprise that the duo don't broaden their vistas outside of the blues, but their earthy chemistry gives this record a considerable kick. The pair also make the wise decision to nod at the modern world, acting like cheerful cranks on "Old School" and offering a pointed political barb on "What the Hell?," where Bishop sings "He is the president but wants to be the king/You know what I like about the guy? Not a goddamn thing." These moments add some levity to 100 Years of Blues, but the whole affair is a really good time, a record where its casual nature carries some weight, since it's a profound joy to hear two heavyweights relax into a deep groove. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
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