It's been exactly three and a half years since I've reviewed a disc from Brazil and the wait has been certainly worth it.  While penning my first review of a Brazilian Blues Band back in January of 2004, I remember being speculative of just how many other good blues bands might be down there, in a country that's predominately recognized for it's Jazz - as far as music is concerned.  As I sit here listening to "BIG CITY BLUES", by CELSO SALIM, I now know there is at least one more.

 

    "BIG CITY BLUES", CELSO'S third release consists of twelve originals and a WILLIE DIXON cover.  The nucleus of the band is CELSO SALIM, of course, on electric and acoustic guitars, dobro, mandolin and vocals; RODRIGO MONTAVANI on electric and upright bass; and JASON STERLING on drums.  Special guests include: ARI BORGER, piano; SERGIO DUARTE, harmonica; RAFAEL CURY, vocals; FLAVIO NAVES, organ; IGOR PRADO and DILLO DARAJUO, lead guitar; ADRIANO GRINEBERG, electric piano; MINGO JACOBS, percussion; THAIS UESSUGUI and UNDIANA NOMMA, background vocals. 

 

    "BEST CHEATER IN TOWN", the discs opening track, immediately impressed me by leaving no doubt in my mind that I'd be listening to a quality band.  CELSO'S strong and raspy vocals, SERGIO'S sharpness on the harp, and serious rhythm coming from RODRIGO & JASON easily established that.

 

    Outstanding piano by ARI opens up the title track, "BIG CITY BLUES", and combined with FLAVIO'S smoothness on the organ, these two combine for some great keyboard work throughout.  This relaxed foot tappin' and finger snappin' track features the band in a mellow groove, highlighted by great electric guitar and dobro from SELSO.

 

    These guys may be from South America, but on "SWEET LOVIN' QUEEN", you'd swear you were listening to a veteran blues band from the south side of Chicago.  This is the real deal blues right here.  Scorching vocals, blazing guitars, smokin' harp and barrelhouse piano......Do I need to say more?.

 

    "DANGEROUS GAMES", is a hot little shuffle led by ARI, at discs best, on piano.  Powerful guitar riffs, very hot drummin', a lot of bottom coming from the standup bass and good harmony from the background singers make this another of the discs best. 

 

   In spite of a hell of a guitar solo from CELSO, "WORKING SHOES" is all about the percussion.  MINGO, RODRIGO and JASON steal this one with phenomenal conga, bass and drum work.

 

    "HANGIN' OUT WITH MR. DANIELS" is an appealing, Jazzy instrumental.  This is the kind of stuff that gets all of your body's movable parts doing just that.  It's spotlighted by very smooth guitar playing from IGOR, very snappy drum work, more rich bass from the standup, and - as on most of the disc - more good piano.  Very good stuff right here. 

 

    On this track, the opening guitar notes by DILLO gave me goose bumps "ALL OVER MY SKIN".  And he did his very best to keep them there with lots more astounding highlights all through the track.  Too bad this was his only appearance.  His guitar, along with prominent vocals from CELSO, make this one of "BIG CITY BLUES" very best

 

    Other terrific tracks not mentioned include: "TRUTHFUL LIARS", "IF THE SEA WAS WHISKEY", "CRAZY ABOUT YOU", "BACKDOOR LOVERMAN", "1000 MILES BLUES" and "ONOLOLO BLUES".

 

    You really ought to stop by www.celsosalim.com and grab yourself a copy of this disc.  As a matter of fact, from what I just heard, I'm thinking you should pick up CELSO'S previous two releases as well - I intend to.  By the way, who ya gonna tell sent ya?  As usual, the Blewzzman did.    

 

    This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com