Big James "If It Wasn't 4 Da Blues" Reviews

Blues On Stage Review Date: July 2001
Review By Tim Holek
Big James with The Chicago Playboys
"If It Wasn't 4 Da' Blues" - Jamot Music (JM1001-2)
In 1996, At the Chicago Blues Festival, Phil Guy put on the performance of his life thanks to a trombone-drenched support band called Big James and the Chicago Playboys. The Chicago-based singer/songwriter/producer/horn player is a former member of the Little Milton and Albert King bands but it was the late Johnny Christian who had the biggest influence on him. In 1998, Big James Montgomery released a superb debut CD and received great reviews in numerous publications. Now he has done it again with his second release on his own independent label. Like its predecessor, the music was recorded over 2 days. Only saxophonist Charlie Kimble remains from the first CD but these Playboys still know how to funk around. They have been playing together since 1998 and pour their hearts, sweat and power into 11 tracks including 6 originals.

Within hearing the first few seconds of the title track, you know this is an experienced band rich in the rough, funky, soul/blues sound of Chicago's nontourist blues clubs. The autobiographical tune sheds insight into the Big man and his love for the blues. Check out lyrics like: 'I'm not well to do, if it wasn't 4 da' blues, I don't know what I'd do'. Guitarist Mike Wheeler plays a sweet solo with the smoothness of Buddy Guy and the heaviness of Albert King. The brass section of Big James, Kimble and guest Kenny Anderson (trumpet) harmonizes creating a pulsating rhythm on "Da' Coldest Man I Ever Knew". Then they create a full, joyful sound on "Never Loved Any 1 Like U". Big James throws some depth and rasp into his voice on "Low Down Dirty Blues" in order to keep up with the incredibly heavy sounding horns. On this track, Joe Blocker performs an excellent solo on the keys.

"I Like Your Style" is a shaking your booty tune that is guaranteed to have the dance floor packed. The lyrics contain classic lines such as: 'You're like Juicy Fruit, you sweet, sticky thing'. Vocally, "8 Men, 4 Women", is the highlight of the CD. Here, Montgomery sings with so much conviction, you'll swear he is singing about his own trial. "A Happy Fool" features a catchy beat with solid drumming from Cleo Cole. However, the attractive and invitingly infectious rhythm comes from CC's bass. "Da' Best Love I never Had" is a beautiful ballad which gives the band a chance to energize for the horn onslaught that follows on the closing track. Before the traditional gospel song, "I'm Goin' Home (2 Live With God)", concludes you will find yourself: turning up the volume, shouting out the chorus and organizing a Pentecostal revival.

It may be James' disc but you get far more than the trombone master's solos. Throughout the 60 minute disc, he gives the Playboys ample opportunity to deliver their goods. If you don't know now you know that these guys have the freshest sound in the blues today. In his liner notes, Michael Wojcik states, 'they are so tight that even dynamite couldn't blow their groove apart'. This one is simply funkin' excellent.

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The South Sider, who has backed Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Albert King and Little Milton during his relatively brief career, can belt out a P-Funk cover with the same conviction he displays on a traditional gospel number. But the passion just pours from the speakers when he sings the blues, for which he confesses his love on the self-penned title track and shows his affinity for throughout "If It Wasn't 4 Da Blues." - Jeff Johnson

BLUESLETTER - Buddy Guy's Legends
Jan./Feb. 2001 - (Page 19) - By Michael Wojoik

Among the handful of local blues bands that formed in and made it through the 90's, one of the best is a group billed as Big James & The Chicago Playboys.

The first time I caught their set was in January 1993. I remember the occasion because in the house that night was blues legend Otis Rush, Midway through the first set, James called Otis to the stage, and not more than five minutes later, what was shaping up to be an entertaining evening became a truly unforgettable one.

In the years since, I've made it a point to check in on Big James and his crew. And I'm happy to report that today, we're treated to a band so rock solid, that dynamite couldn't blow it's groove apart. Yet while the group awaits major league fame, we're not left hangin', because If It Wasn't 4 Da' Blues, the band's sophomore CD is now on the street.

As a horn based band, Big James & The Chicago Playboys have a wide spectrum of influences to call on. On the band's first release, "Funkin' Blues," the listener had a choice between funk and soul material. On the new side, James' deep, slightly raspy, voice belts out a number of heavy blues cuts along with some serious funk/soul tunes.

The blues tracks include the title cut and a cover of the B.B.King classic , "Chains & Things," as well as Big James penned "Low Down Dirty Blues." The crossover material is represented by the O.V.Right gem, "8Men,4Women," and another original composition "Best Love I Never Had."

Then there's the funk, It's the sound that built this band, and it's the force that's destined to lift it to higher ground. While a funk vibe is never not present on this disc, it's showcased on "The Coldest Man I Ever Knew," and followed by a nice reading of the Funkadelic masterpiece, "Qualified To Satisfy."

No matter which of these three music styles you like best, if it's a beefy horn section that you like most, then If It Wasn't 4 Da' Blues is a disc for you. This is a soul-blues album delivered with sincerity from a band steeped in the best tradition of the music.

Editor's Note:
Come celebrate the release of If It Wasn't 4 Da' Blues, the new disc from Big James & The Chicago Playboys on Saturday, Feb.3,2001 here at Legends'. But if you can't hold out, visit: www.bigjames.com, to learn more.

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