Search - Steven Seagal, Thunderbox :: Mojo Priest

Yes, that Steven Seagal. As he slowly ages out of his strong-silent-type action-hero roles, the actor--long a fan, and friend to many blues legends--flexes his musical muscles on this sophomore release. While the results are mixed--neither Seagal's whispery/raspy vocals or hotshot guitar solos are particularly memorable--Mojo Priest is still a more professional album than many detractors would expect. While someone should advise Seagal that hoary classics such as "Little Red Rooster," "Hoochie Coochie Man," and "Dust My Broom" don't really need yet another cover, his performances are enthusiastic if not exactly groundbreaking. Certainly cameos from legends Ruth Brown and Bo Diddley, as well as former members of Muddy Waters' band, raise the bar and add credibility. Lovers of deep blues won't find much of interest here, but for those attracted by Seagal's box-office clout who may not have heard standard-issue fast shuffles ("BBQ"), funky R&B ("Love Doctor"), slow blues ("Slow Boat to China"), or New Orleans second-line rhythms ("Talk to My Ass") performed by more established acts, this is a reasonable introduction. (Even if the occasional female backing vocals sound like an afterthought added for sweetening, and the Bo Diddley rip is exactly that, even with the man himself showing up.) Ultimately it's heartening when any high-profile celebrity brings much-needed attention to a genre as overlooked as blues, which--the Blues Brothers and Bruce Willis notwithstanding--isn't often. Those whose first taste of the art form is via Mojo Priest are encouraged to dig deeper and discover the rich history of a genre of which Seagal just scratches the surface on this well-intentioned star vehicle. --Hal Horowitz