Electric Blues
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  Tommy Cougar Blues Band
Juke Joint Fever
Blues Bonnet - 1998
Visit the Official Tommy Cougar Website
AMG Artist Bio/Discography/CD Reviews
Review Published June 4, 2000

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Track Listing
  1. Shake It
  2. Caddilac Jane
  3. I Don't Know
  4. Trying To Get Through
  5. Dog Bone
  6. Hot Rod Machine
  7. Devil Blues
  8. Have Some Fun
  9. Fool For Chocolate
  10. Get My Heart Back Together
  11. Got To Go
EB Rating - 4.0

   
    Tommy Cougar hails from Stockholm, Sweden. He has fronted many bands over the years, and has played many different styles of blues. His various bands have focus on styles including Hendrix, Trower, SRV, Albert Collin's and SRV. Unfortunately, CDs of his early efforts, most notably his SRV tribute band T.C. & the Stingrays, are no longer available. Too bad, because the audio samples available at Tommy's website sound pretty good.
    But, what is available is Juke Joint Fever. The theme for this CD is quite a departure from the styles previously mentioned. This disc is entirely in a style very reminiscent of Hound Dog Taylor. To achive a truly authentic sound, the band recorded with old, lo-fi equipment. The desired result was achived with great success. Fans of Hound Dog Taylor's rough, distorted, slide guitar and harsh vocals will defintely be able to relate to this CD.
    Many songs are based on the shuffle blues style, ranging from slow blues to up tempo "houserockin' music", and driven by the crunching pulse of Tommy's rhythm playing. Lead breaks are nasty, slashing slide affairs, or as noted on the CD Jacket, "rough and dangerous slide guitar". Very well done and very much in keeping with the intended feel of the music. Tommy has certainly done his homework on early style slide guitar. Rounding out the package, vocals also have the proper sound.... heavy on the reverb or echo, or whatever effect gives that "singing in a tunnel" sound.
    Juke Joint Fever is very consistant, and true to it's focus throughout. As the name implies, this is old-fashioned, good time blues. While intended to emulate a particular style, and you'll swear you've heard many of these songs before, all of the songs are Tommy Cougar originals. This is an interesting and entertaining CD, and one which I have enjoyed listening to many times.
    Juke Joint Fever's availability is somewhat limited. In the US, it can be ordered through Tommy's Website. In Sweden it can be special ordered through Peter and Lottas. The CD is also available through the Germany based Crosscut Records. If you have trouble locating a copy, email the band through their website.

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