The latest CD from Toronto based, Ohio born Japanese Canadian bluesman Ken Chester Kawashima aka Sugar Brown ’s new CD which features Bharath Rajakumar and Ben Caissie, sounds like it comes right out of the ’40s and ’50s alongside cats like early Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.
The first track “Fisherman‘s Blues aka Pickin’ the Blues” is a capable Elmore James cover that sounds like Howlin’ Wolf could have recorded it.
He definitely wears his influences on his sleeve from the Bo Diddley style ‘ Before the Law’ to ‘Hook-a-Boogie’ which closely apes the guitar and voice of John Lee Hooker.
He has a lot of old rock and roll influence as well on ‘Boogie for Fiji’ which shows off the Bharath Rajakumar’s fine harp playing.
For something different he reexamines the Velvet Underground’s old song “Run, Run, Run.”
There are a lot of highlights on the Cd including ‘Grim Reaper.”
His high voice belies original bluesman like J.B. Lenoir on tracks like ‘Volcano Woman.’
This is an excellent CD for people who love traditional delta blues and that vintage Sun Studios, ’50 style sound.
CD: Sugar Brown’s Sad Day
Artist: Sugar Brown with Bharath Rajakumar and Ben Caissie
Genre: blues
