Search - Maurice John Vaughn :: In the Shadow of the City

Yes, Blues can be fun

Shaky | Encinitas, CA USA | 12/28/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Chicago Blues scene often takes itself altogether too seriously. A song can't be great unless it features a screeching 3-minute guitar solo. Or perhaps the guitarist plays the solo using his mouth (yes, I've seen it done, and it really doesn't prove anything). Enter Maurice John Vaughn. Although he plays a mean guitar, he doesn't have to prove it all the time. His music blends with his lyrics and the combination make each stronger. It's a nice change of pace to listen to an album where vocals, guitar, and piano co-exist so nicely.It never fails that when I have seen Maurice Jonn Vaughn in a Chicago nightclub that his music inspires the patrons to dance. Yes, Blues can be fun."In the Shadow of the City" was released a full five years after Maurice John Vaughn's initial effort, "Generic Blues." Although both are worth owning, "Shadow" is a little better put together.Of special note on this album are a haunting "Blood Red Sky," on track four and the final track, where piano legend Jimmy Walker performs "Small Town Baby.""