Handyman

Led by virtuoso Pierre Lacocque on harp, this Chicago-based band focusses on ensemble work. Every instrument collaborates to create a weave that harks from the days of Howlin' wolf, Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers. On this album, Barrelhouse Chuck adds on the piano what Otis Spann, Little Brother Montgomery and Leroy Carr gave us in the 50's. Carl Weathersby and Chris Winters work magic on the guitar and Kenny Smith keeps the pulse on drums like his father (Willie Smith) did for 15 years with Muddy Waters. Pierre wrote most of the material and blows powerfuk and melodic harp. Billy Boy calls him a virtuoso and Niles Frantz of WBEZ's Chicago Public radio calls him a budding legend. Katherine Davis sings her heart out; Billy Boy Arnold and George Baze sing several tunes with great conviction and Zora Young swings us in her inimitable Chicago blues style for a great song. George Baze died shortly after the studio recording and before the release of this CD. It is dedicated to his memory. *********** Here is what the critics say: PRESS REVIEWS/QUOTES HANDYMAN HANDYMAN WAS VOTED « BEST CD OF THE YEAR » BY REAL BLUES MAGAZINE « MISSISSIPPI HEAT delivers it's traditional urban blues with a freshness, energy and competence that makes them a treasure on today's Chicago scene. HANDYMAN is packed with quality original numbers presented by an all-star line-up that keeps it's ego in check and truly works as a musical team. » - LIVING BLUES MAGAZINE « This music is soulful, honest, and visionary. It soars with ecstatic celebration! With Pierre's extraordinary harp playing, Katherine Davis' super vocals, and the high energy and vitality of so many accomplished players, MISSISSIPPI HEAT is THE blueprint for blues lovers everywhere. ... A creative triumph.» - NEW YORK BLUES SOCIETY « Perfectly integrated ensemble work ... they are the keepers of the 50's style Chicago blues flame. » - ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER « Listening to the 13 original cuts is like a trip back in time - to a better place, quite frankly, that most of today's blues bands are willing to go. » - ROCK & BLUES NEWS « The 13 tracks on this CD - all originals - are patterned after the classics Chicago blues sound. Pierre Lacocque's harp is soaring, particularly on the instrumental 'Cornell Street Boogie '. Keyboardist Chuck Goering is commanding on the piano and organ, as is George Baze, former long-time member of Junior Wells' band on guitar. The band is tight, and the lyrics are as poignant as blues lyrics get. » - DETROIT BLUES REVIEW « Some of the best work that I have done ... Pierre playing is beautiful. Awesome! He is a genius on the harp... » - BILLY BOY ARNOLD, LIVING BLUES LEGEND « Best MISSISSIPPI HEAT release ever! » - MICK MARTIN (KXJZ-FM, SACRAMENTO, CA) « This fantastic harmonica-driven band MISSISSIPPI HEAT ... works as a true ensemble in all apects of the production and performance. ... Pierre is not the only reason to get this CD - the vocals by Katherine Davis and support of the other players are strong - but he is a significant one with his mastery of the instrument and tone that won't quit. » - AMERICAN HARMONICA NEWSLETTER « MISSISSIPPI HEAT provides a yardstick for Chicago Blues. Every band that claims to play Chicago Blues should strive to be as good as MISSISSIPPI HEAT. » - BLUES ON STAGE FRENCH REVIEWS « Katherine Davis (est) une découverte majeure, et (fait) plus que remplacer Deitra Farr. ... (Pierre) a sa propre façon de jouer, puissante et subtile á la fois, étalant