Henry Gray – Lucky Man – Blind Pig Records BPCD 8013

Originally released in 1988, Blind Pig Records rereleased this astounding collection on CD in 1990.  From cut one to cut 12, this collection by the Louisiana blues piano man is a superb musical romp.

Taking his place on the 1950s Chicago blues scene and rightfully earning his stripes there, Gray more-than-capably supported artists as diverse as legends such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Little Walter,  plus the likes of Hudson Showers, Morris Pejoe, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood Jr., and Billy Boy Arnold. 

His studio work while in Chicago saw him instrumental in the success of bluesmen such as Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller), Homesick James, Jimmy Reed, Otis Rush, Little Milton, and Buddy Guy, among many others. 

Big Maceo Merriweather was an early mentor to Gray and assisted him in defining his sound.  Merriweather was influential in seeing Gray develop a strong overall piano approach, one that completely utilized both his hands to great effect.

As much as Gray was active on the Chicago blues scene, on recording sessions, traveling to European festivals, and appearing on overseas releases, it was the U.S.-based Blind Pig Records label that saw to it that his tremendous proficiencies finally were realized stateside on Lucky Man.

With the ideal complementary support of the enormously talented Steve Freund on guitar (who also produced the session), Willie “Big Eyes” Smith on drums, and the tandem of timeless and rock-solid Bob Stroger and foundational Andy Cornett on bass, Gray as a leader absolutely shines.  The pure cohesiveness of the Chicago blues veterans backing Gray allows him to present his originals and choice covers by the likes of Big Maceo Merriweather, Jimmy Reed, and Little Walter with an obvious joy and zest.

Gray’s voice is both enjoyably energetic and thoughtful, and his piano expeditions underscore his many years of playing both solo and with a staggeringly diverse blues peer group.

I find myself returning to the set time after time, and I think you would do the same.

Highly recommended!