Another dead blues guy Papa? Well folks, whatever kind of historical information you're digging in, sooner or later you'll be confronted with dead people. However, do not worry. There will be other names in this section, bluesmen- and women who are still very much alive and kicking. Besides, it's about music here, and music is always alive, right?

Carey Bell is the next in our alphabetical list, let there be no doubt that he belongs there. I'm also very sure that his name "rings a bell", even with those who are less familiar with all those big names in the bluesworld but know how to appreciate this great music.

Carey Bell Harrington was a side-man, played harp (and also the bass) with guys such as Earl Hooker, Robert Nighthawk, Lowell Fulson, Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Dawkins and yes, also with Muddy. His first musical love was the saxophone, but the instrument was too expensive in those days. So it became the "Mississippi Saxophone". Fortunately. If not, we would have missed all these great tunes he produced with that big harp of his, moving up and down before that big hole in his front teeth.

After a career with Delmark, Bruce 'Alligator' Iglauer picked him up, resulting in his first Alligator album. Deep Down is the title, and 'Oh Boy' what an album. If you only want to buy one record of Carey, get yourself this energetic bunch of tunes. The track 'When I Get Drunk' is one of those standards I still remember after consuming some alcohol. His son Lurrie, wonderboy Lucky Peterson and "Albert King" follower Carl Weathersby are backing him up here, an explosing trio that pushed him above his own limits. Find this cd and give it a visible place between your Chicago blues collection. While you folks click around to find out more, I dream away, reminding the old days, drinking a fine brandy. When I get drunk, carry me home... See you next week!

Deep Down - Alligator 1995

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