Indeed, Mississippi river doesn’t run exclusively through the States anymore. Nowadays, tributaries and mini Delta’s are to be found about everywhere, and Robert Johnson left his mark, even in Scandinavia: Björn Berge in Noorwegen, Slidin’ Slim in Sweden and this Tim Lothar Petersen in Denmark…Quality time! Tim Lothar had the opportunity to show his talents in our country a few times already, in the slipstream of his first ‘Cut To The Bone’ album (TLPCD01; 2006). Rave reviews a galore for CD and concerts. High time for us to get acquainted with this near phenomenon. ‘In It For The Ride’ seems to be in line with the earlier CD. As you only get man+guitar this effort might be a little bit thin for the fans who prefer the heavier blues riffs or for the outsider looking in, but those who are into this kind of music are into a ride with this ‘In For The Ride’. Lothar is an excellent guitarist, sings as it should be and clearly has the stamina to entertain an audience a whole evening, just like William Lee Ellis, Doug McLeod or (an acoustic) Paul Zunno. Seven originals flank five covers, amongst which the traditional ‘Careless Love’ (covered far too many times but sounding fresh in this version), and songs by Booker ‘Bukka’ White, Charley Patton, Sleepy John Estes plus the closing ‘Stones In My Passway’ by…Robert Johnson. Good choice all over. His own ‘Shake It And Break It’ sounds very Crescent City in the roaring twenties (‘My jelly, my roll, sweet mama, don’t let it fall’) and gives him ample space to demonstrate his technical skills. ‘I Will Be Home Again’ has a delightful waltz like structure and the careful insertion of a little organ underlines the dreamy melancholy of this near anthem à la Waits. It’s definitely a highlight in a well balanced entirety. We are very curious to see this Tim Lothar Petersen live!