Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown was 74 when he recorded
American Music, Texas Style, and the Texas bluesman made it clear that he still had plenty of energy. On this CD,
Brown really emphasizes his love of jazz. Young hard bop players like trumpeter
Nicholas Payton and alto saxman Wes Anderson are on board, and the veteran singer/guitarist offers no less than three standards from
Duke Ellington's repertoire ("I'm Beginning to See the Light," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," and son
Mercer Ellington's "Things Ain't What They Used to Be") and two classics from
Charlie Parker's years with
Jay McShann ("Hootie Blues," "Jumpin' the Blues"). Meanwhile, the jazz influence is hard to miss on such fast jump blues as "Rock My Blues Away" and "Without Me Baby."
Brown's voice is thinner than it used to be, but his guitar playing is as energetic as ever. While this CD isn't definitive, it's a good, solid effort that
Brown can be proud of. ~ Alex Henderson