Back to Basics

Sheila Wilcoxson's strong, dirty, and downtrodden "I've been to hell and back" vocals are the centerpiece of Back Porch Blues' setup of vocals, harmonica, guitar and bass. Whit Draper's guitar captivates throughout on up-tempo jams like "Boogie Woman" and slow, nasty crawlers like "Mean Old Man,". Harmonica player (and bandleader) Jeffrey Dawkins blows like he is hemorrhaging, especially on "NW Line." The baker's dozen tracks are compelling and the sound full and satisfying, even without the presence of a drummer.