Catfish Keith – Sugar For Sugar, Vol. 1, 2025 Summer Sessions
Fish Tail Records
10 tracks
Renowned acoustic blues man Catfish Keith presents tracks he laid down last summer. This is Catfish Keith’s 24th album, and this session had so many great tracks he’s releasing the other half of them later this year. It’s a solo endeavor and he does what he does best- [lays and sings with real passion.
He begins with a lilting old Carter family song, “Hello Stranger.” Keith picks his way through this with vigor and growls out the vocal lead as only he can. He sings harmony with himself on “Wee Midnight Hours,” a cut recorded first by Blind Willie McTell and Curley Weaver in 1931. Slow and emotive, this one a deep and soulful cut.
The Gospel tune “John The Revelator” follows with Catfish on his National with some vibrant slide work. “Goose Steppin’ Blues” is next, an original cut that is a commentary on the plight of our nation.
Lil’ Son Jackson’s “Gambler’s Blues” gets covered slickly with another National guitar featured and some delightful picking. Then it’s “Keep Out Of The Way Of The Sheriff,” done in the style of he Memphis Sheiks. The low end on the guitar throbs as Keith sings with passion.
Memphis Minnie’s “I’m So Glad” is done with feeling as Keith picks out some pretty notes. Sam McGee’s instrumental “Buck Dancers Choice” rings out nicely as Catfish plays vibrantly on a parlor guitar that serves his purpose well.
“James Alley Blues” is an old Crescent City Cut from Richard Rabbit Brown and Keith again uses his parlor guitar to good effect. The guitar rings clearly as he sings one of his favorite tunes. He finishes with his Stella on “Lonesome Katy,” a Mississippi Joe Callicott number. Keith howls the lead and plays with conviction.
Keith delivers another great album, following in the footsteps of his recent award nominated and winning releases. He once again showcases his prowess on guitar and down home vocals that are his trademark. Catfish’s fans will adore this album and those new to his music will understand why he is so well loved. He is likely on his way to more awards with this new album.
Editor’s Note: Catfish Keith is nominated for 2 Blues Music Awards. One for Acoustic Blues Album of the Year and one for Acoustic Blues Artist of the year.
