Paul Lamb & Chad Strentz – Goin’ Down This Road
bluRoots Records
www.bluroots.co.uk
www.paullamb.com
15 songs time-56:50
Paul Lamb and Chad Strentz have taken on a side project with “Goin’ Down This Road”, as an acoustic duo much like in the tradition of Paul’s idols Sonny Terry And Brownie McGhee.

It’s just Paul’s harmonica and Chad’s vocals and guitar doing their interpretations of others’ songs and three originals. Chad strums along as Paul weaves his harmonica magic. They run through blues staples and give other genres the blues treatment.

Among blues greats covered are Big Bill Broonzy, Rice Miller, Sticks McGhee and Roosevelt Skyes. Chad’s gritty voice works well except it gets to be grating on Solomon Burke’s “Don’t You Fell Like Cryin'”, a tune of which I’m most familiar with Professor Longhair’s version.

“Summertyne” is a solo harmonica instrumental done up in Paul’s inimitable style. Paul gives Sonny Terry a full-blown “whoopin'” harmonica tribute with his original “Hootin’ And Tootin'”.

The dedication to and true love for the blues idiom shows through. The combination of blues knowledge and musical skill touches everything these guys do. As a long time follower of their music, my only regret is that they have never graced our country with their presence.