This is not a set of new music. Rather, it is a collection of favorite tracks from Boo Boo Davis and his blues work with John Gerritse and Jan Mittendorp. This is not to be confused with the ElectroBlues Society recordings, created by the same trio. Rather, these are more traditional blues pieces, many of which were used in the creation of the EBS songs.

Boo Boo Davis The Trio: 2008 - 2019 (Black and Tan)

This trio recorded and toured together for more than a decade before Covid intervened, and it's easy to hear why. Each member plays off each other, and in particular Gerritse and Mittendorp are expert at supporting Davis's harp work and singing. These are heavy blues, replete with distortion in the bass, guitar and harp, and they don't always follow blues construction. At times the EBS connection is obvious.

And other times it's not. Davis has a wonderful growl, but he shines when wailing on the harp. His aggressive and expressive sounds are the centerpiece of just about every song here. Born into blues royalty (his father is Sylvester Davis), Davis moved north from Mississippi and eventually settled in St. Louis.

And yeah, this is very much the epitome of electrified Chicago blues, but the best thing about these pieces is that they illuminate Davis' soul. Gerritse and Mittendorp have proven to be able collaborators. Their virtuosity and vision have helped Davis produce some of the best work of his life. This set, essentially a greatest hits for the collaboration, is a fitting celebration. Tumble down deep.

Jon Worley