Big Bill Morganfield – Ramblin’ Mind

Last year's remarkable debut release, Rising Son, earned Big Bill Morganfield an avalanche of critical praise, culminating in winning the W.C. Handy Award as Best New Artist. From Billboard to People magazine to National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition," critics across the land were quick to extol the arrival of this impressive new talent on the blues scene.
Having made his mark with his first outing, the son of beloved blues patriarch Muddy Waters further establishes himself as a formidable artist in his own right on his sophomore release.
Bill's distinctive, window-rattling baritone voice and scintillating slide guitar are featured on a variety of original and cover tunes, including songs by Sonny Boy Williamson and Ray Charles. Very special guest Taj Mahal lends his stamp of approval and musical magic to some special recordings.

Track Listing:
1. Mellow Chick Swing - 2:46   2. Strong Man Holler - 4:37   3. Roll with Me - 3:01   4. What's the Matter - 2:57   5. People Sure Act Funny - 3:02   6. Ramblin' Mind - 3:12   7. Trace of You - 2:55   8. Dirty Dealin' Mama - 4:17   9. Foolish Love - 3:04   10. My Doggy's Got the Blues - 2:58   11. Troubles - 3:17   12. Highway 69 - 4:18   13. Little Ange - 3:12   14. You're Gonna Miss Me - 3:27

Personnel:
Big Bill Morganfield (guitar, vocals) , Taj Mahal (vocals, guitar on 2,4) , Bob Margolin (guitar on 8) , Bill Flynn (guitar) , Billy Branch (harmonica on 2,14) , Paul Oscher harmonica on 8) , Bill Lupkin (harmonica) , Pinetop Perkins (piano on 8) , Mr. B (piano) , Robert Stroger (bass on 8) , Nick Moss (bass) , Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (drums on 8) , Kenny Smith (drums) , Theresa Davis (background vocals on 5,7) , Robin Robinson (background vocals on 5,7)

Reviews:

1. AllMusic - Scott Yanow
Due to some sly humor, a few jazz-oriented numbers (including "Mellow Chick Swing"), and the consistently strong material, this blues set is also recommended to fans of straight-ahead jazz. Ranging from a couple swinging pieces and some lowdown Muddy Waters-type blues to two strong appearances by Taj Mahal, this is a release that never lets up. Mr. B's piano solos are a major joy, the harmonica playing (by Bill Lupkin, Billy Branch, and Paul Oscher) is excellent, Morganfield's expressive vocals always hit their mark, and the music is quite enjoyable. Highly recommended.