Introducing Pierre Lacocque alias Mississippi Heat would really unjustify him. But for the newcomers amongst us blues lovers here’s a short outline. Pierre (with Belgian roots) isn’t just an excellent songwriter; he’s also a valuable mouth organ virtuoso. But also “on stage” he proves again and again what a formidable frontman he is. In his band it’s custom that he doesn’t draw all the attention to himself but the other band members also get the chance to give their very best. Talk about loyalty! This seems to be a formula that successfully leads to giving the public the time of their lives. Pierre’s new CD can certainly count on my appreciation. Take the title track ‘Hattiesburg Blues’. When it starts you’d think you’re listening to a Latin tango. But when the song goes on it’s clear why the sound of Mississippi Heat’s described as “Traditional Blues With A Unique Sound”. Or how blues and tango can melt together into something unique. This song is caressing to the ear! You can describe Pierre’s mount organ playing as sensitive, playful and especially refreshing. Songs like ‘Calypso in Blue’ (with an American-Latin touch) and the swinging ‘Gone So Long’ show us what a talented mouth organ player he really is. Inetta Visor is as usual the singer on duty. And every time, with her characteristic voice she manages to touch a nerve in me. A wonderful example of her capability is the moving ‘Light From Within’. Guest musicians on duty are guitarist Carl Weathersby (singer-guitarist in ‘Hell and Back’), and the unsurpassed Chicago-blues guitarist Lurrie Bell, who shows what he’s made off in ‘Chicago Is My Home’. I already have much of Pierre’s beautiful work in my collection, but with Hattiesburg Blues, I’ve once again added a little gem.

Translation by: Marleen Crook-Geebelen