Dog Party by Scott Henderson

 

Dog Party by Scott Henderson

I've often thought that the best contemporary blues musicians are jazz musicians that have learned to hold back. It's certainly true of many of my favourite blues guitarists, be it Robben Ford, Derek Trucks or John Wedemeyer. So when I found out that Scott Henderson, who I knew from his 2015 fusion album Vibe Station has released blues albums in the 90s, I had to check it out. Dog Party is indeed as advertised a blues album. While it's obvious to anyone with ears that Henderson is reining it in, it's done in the name of tasteful blues rock, with enough inventiveness to sound fresh while staying true to blues roots. I particularly enjoyed the more raucous tracks like Hole Diggin', Milk Bone and Dog Party, but the guest singers are really good. Also enjoyed Pat O'Brien's fast and furious harmonica playing. A winner. Will need to check out the other albums in the same vein.