Come On, If You’re Comin’
self-released
Mick Martin, elder statesman of the Sacramento blues scene, steps out of his big-band and blues-rock comfort zones for an impressive “solo” turn at traditional blues.
At the suggestion — and with the help — of multi-instrumentalist/singer protégés Kyle Rowland (upright bass, producer) and Todd Morgan (occasional drums, engineer), Martin has collected nine cover songs and two original compositions showcasing his signature baritone voice and chromatic harmonica skills.
The album was recorded at Rowland and Morgan’s Sacramento Recording Services on analog tape, using vintage equipment. Andrew Little (Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers, Mick Martin’s Big Blues Band) held down most of the guitar duties.
Everyone’s contributions “were all recorded live in the same room, at the same time, onto tape, with the exception of small amounts of percussion that were overdubbed,” Rowland told Good New Music via email.
Out of the gate are two stripped-down songs featuring guest guitarist Leo Bootes: Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ on My Mind” and John Lee Hooker’s “Don’t Turn Me From Your Door.” Bootes, a Sacramento Blues Society Hall of Famer, recently moved to Washington state but occasionally returns to the Sacramento area to visit and perform.
“I grew up learning slide guitar from Leo. He is probably one of the deepest blues musicians I know,” Rowland said. “The authenticity in his playing derives from the difficult experiences he has faced in life. He lives and expresses genuine blues; not many people can relate to this.”
Other songs employ more varied instrumentation, such as J.B. Lenoir’s “I Feel So Good,” featuring drums (vs. minimal percussion) and rhythm guitar; or the Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee title track, boasting lead electric as well as rhythm guitar.
“Angels in Heaven” is a cover of a song performed on the street in Asheville, N.C., in 2017 by buskers Chris Rodgrigues and Abby Roach (on resonator guitar and spoons, respectively), the online video of which went viral. Rodgrigues sourced the tune from a traditional number sometimes called “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” giving it his own arrangement. In the hands of the Dixie Drifters (the name under which Martin, Rowland, Morgan and Little are performing), the song has less of a gospel overtone and more of a “country blues meets calypso” feel.
Another in the true-religion vein is Skip James’ “Everybody Ought to Live Right,” its minimal percussion pushing Rowland’s upright bass and Little’s lead acoustic to the forefront. Little retains James’ sunny fingerpicking, but Martin’s nearly shouted vocals add a sense of urgency.
Ensemble handclapping in lieu of drums adds a tent-revival atmosphere to the final track, “How Can You Stand It, Baby,” underscoring what Chicago blues harpist Billy Branch must have felt when he wrote it. Guest guitarist Steve Kimball’s laser-sharp acoustic lead takes it over the center field wall.
Tracks
1. Ramblin’ On My Mind (Robert Johnson)
2. Don’t Turn Me From Your Door (John Lee Hooker)
3. I Feel So Good (J.B. Lenoir)
4. Everybody Ought To Live Right (Skip James)
5. Angels In Heaven (Chris Rodrigues)
6. Maggie Gunn (Kyle Rowland)
7. I Can’t Win For Losin’ (Mick Martin)
8. The Last Time (Sam Chatmon)
9. Come On, If You’re Comin’ (Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry)
10. Can’t Stop Thinkin’ (Mick Martin)
11. How Can You Stand It, Baby (Billy Branch)
Total time: 38:57
External links
kyle.rowland@yahoo.com (for ordering CDs)
