Search - Lacy Gibson :: Crying for My Baby

A great feel for the blues!

swampshaka | New Orleans, Louisiana | 10/31/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lacy Gibson is not a name which one often associates with classic Chicago blues, although, he and his guitar were in the thick of and a vital part of the city's burgeoning blues scene in it's heyday. In the latter 50's Lacy enjoyed a short stint as guitarist for Duke Ellington's Orchestra which eventually led to recording sessions for Willie Mabon, Billy "The Kid" Emerson and Buddy Guy and to his own session which was cut for his brother in law Sun Ra's El Saturn label, quite an impressive and eclectic resume! On "Crying For My Baby", a session recorded in 1977 under the supervision of R&B patriarch Ralph Bass, we find Lacy showcasing various blues styles in a relaxed atmosphere, one which I would describe as tastefully uncluttered. Along for the ride are special guest's Lee "Fishin" In My Pond" Jackson, contributing lead vocals and rhythm guitar to three tracks and Sunnyland Slim who plays piano throughout. the disc kicks off in high gear with "You'd Better Be Sure", Gibson's stinging {but not overdriven} guitar leads smoothly sailing over the shuffling beats of drummer Freddie Below in an almost effortless fashion. On "crying For My Baby", Lacy delivers the goods again demonstrating with proficiency how to achive the maximum from ones instrument without ever having to lean on volume or effects as a crutch. There are also tasty versions of the Ray Charles classic "Blackjack" and Little Willie John's "Take My Love", as Lacy proves to be a better than average vocalist. On the three tracks which Lacy hands the vocal mike over to blues journeyman Lee Jackson, we hear no signs of wear and tear in Lee's voice and his tracks are an enjoyable addition to this disc, while as always Sunnyland Slim is Mr. dependable on the 88's. A nice solid effort from a classy Chicago bluesman and his backing cast of seasoned vets!"