Unbelievable Guitarist
Bob Davis | Christchurch New Zealand | 11/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album highlights the incredible talent of this long gone little known artist (Died 1986 aged 32). Michael Mann, nicknamed Hollywood Fats by Buddy Guy, produces so many memorable moments with his unique phrasing and guitar lines. The music style is West Coast Jump blues (some give the band credit for inventing it), swing and country blues. Not all of the music is to my taste, but Hollywood Fats is so ear catching, you have to admire even those tracks which don't appeal in style. Hollywood was mentored by Magic Sam, Buddy Guy and Freddie King. Played with Muddy Walters, J.B. Hutto, Albert King, John Lee Hooker. Played with the Albert King band until Mr. King became too jealous - some credentials! The vocals are by Al Blake which are not so great but he does excel on harmonica on several tracks. The legendary Larry Taylor is also on base. Unfortunately there is not much more recorded output that I am aware of apart from on some of the James Harman Band recordings and the Rod Piazza album Harpburn."
Hollywood fats "rock this house"
Laurie K. Funk | Moro, Illinois United States | 04/25/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I just resently heard this played on the local (St.Louis) blues station. I did not know anything of Hollywood Fats or for that matter hear anything buy him. I could not wait for the DJ to take a break so that he would mention what artist he was playing. Not only did he say it was Hollywood Fats he also gave some insight into this man. He has been around, played with all the big names in the blues. And this recording has some really good musicians. Unfortunately Fats is no longer with us. But his music lives. This recording is a must have for all blues lovers."
Great modern blues, a MUST-HAVE for serious blues fans
Frederick J. Miller Jr. | Wells, ME USA | 08/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael Mann...aka, "Hollywood Fats", is one of the icons and idols of serious blues guitarists and fans around the world, and he left us far too soon. Fats helped define and refine an uptown, electric jump blues sound into what is now known as the WEST COAST blues sound, continued through the past 2 decades by artists such as Rod Piazza, Kim Wilson, Kid Ramos, William Clark, Alex Shultz, LA Holmes, Little Charlie & The Nightcats and many others. Mann's superb phrasing, unique tone and style was morphed from the foundation of the bedrock of blues guitar players like T-Bone Walker, BB King and Muddy Waters. But there is no mistaking Fats when you hear him. Monstrous tone and tight, clever licks define every single song on this album. There are no loose ends, this album rocks the house, and the Fats Band players all live on today and continue the West Coast blues tradition in the 21st century. If you are serious about modern electric blues, this is one of the "stranded on a desert island" must-have albums of all time."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1