Martin Lang & Rusty Zinn – Mr. Blues, Mr. Blues – Random Chance Records RCD49 

This is about as close to a “no brainer” recommendation as I can make for a blues collection.  This new release by Martin Lang and Rusty Zinn is astounding in all aspects, with brilliantly written original fare and smartly chosen covers.  The listener will find that this generous 14 cut assemblage is a blues delight!

Lang’s career in support of other blues artists has resulted in him being in steady demand, someone with definite first-call credibility, and a familiar face backing the work of a prominent roll of top-tier blues talent.  Lang is not of the breed to overplay and show-off with unnecessary notes and volume; rather, he pleasingly represents the knowing blues harmonicist who casts tone, volumes, blending, spacing, and band inter-play to the fore.  This stands in stark contrast for much of what passes as blues harmonica work today where brash frenzied solos and phrasing dilutes the spirit of band dynamics.  Lang stands for veneration, discernment, and refinement.

This is Lang’s third outing for the Random Chance Records imprint, and the reader is advised to seek those other collections out.  He is also a participant on a label compilation with Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Little Arthur Duncan, and Alex “Easy Baby” Randall entitled “Harmonica Blues Orgy.” 

Zinn is a west coast-born blues and reggae guitarist and vocalist, one who honed his guitar abilities with tenures in the bands of Mark Hummel and Kim Wilson, among other supporting roles with blues giants such as James Cotton, Snooky Pryor, and Jimmy Rogers.

Zinn has actively recorded, both blues- and reggae-oriented releases, including a couple for Blacktop Records (blues), one for Alligator Records (blues), two Big Daddy Records label collections (one blues and one reggae), one 9 Above Records assemblage (reggae), two Bluebeat Music collections (blues), and one Rockbeat Records endeavor (reggae).

It should be noted that Lang and Zinn also appeared on Lang’s Ain’t No Notion Random Chance Records collection.

For Mr. Blues, Mr. Blues, Lang and Zinn have surrounded themselves with a lineup steeped in the blues, and one that obviously shared their blues concepts.  These are elite blues specialists, and the outcomes are astounding due to individual and collective involvement of the first-class blues rank-and-file found here.  Lang and Zinn appear on harmonica and guitar, respectively (along with vocals from both), on all tracks, with further vital and esthetic guitar energies coming via Billy Flynn and Little Frank Krakowski. Inventive and foundational bass duties come by way of Illinois Slim and Rodrigo Mantovani.  On keyboards, Gerry Hundt presents keen organ offerings, while Dave Waldman and Johnny Iguana supremely provide their piano competences.

Kelly Littleton is nothing short of an unshakable percussionist, keeping exacting time, with Dean Haas adding some maraca and tambourine flair into the mix.

A blues commotion unfolds over the course of Mr. Blues, Mr. Blues, and it is of the sort that absolutely fascinates.  This is matchless ensemble work, and it creates blues of resolute quality.  Joint cooperation such as that found here cannot be counterfeit; it is authentic.  All on this CD culled their years of service to the blues to produce an extraordinary collective level, with the result being great benefits disbursed into the project.  This wonderful end is truly a sum of its parts.

Lang’s blues harmonica sound is unique.  Period.  It’s powerful, heavy, biting, resonating, and intense.  His a uniquely pleasing and illuminating methodology to offer the sounds capable via the harmonica.  Lang rides the churning waves of his strong capabilities, wailing with a blues schematic not enjoyed since Chicago’s 1950s heyday of blues harmonica.  He rules it.

Lang’s vocals are self-confident, composed, and bound to emotional affect.  Nothing is casually or sloppily offered, as each sung blues story is totally conclusive.  As it should be.

Zinn’s guitar patterns are not predictable; that is a very good thing.  His six-string derision of conventional blues guitar phrasings is applauded, and there is not a time where his next guitar excursion could be predicted.  Zinn extremely surprises with each passing section, and his capability to fill his guitar sprees with such individuality is novel and oh so welcome.  Listen carefully; astonishing guitar single notes and solos govern here.

Zinn’s voice is crystalline and assured, robust, and the blues canvases he vocalizes are supremely convincing; his polish seems to suggest to all that he has dwelt within the stories he sings.  Grand stuff, indeed!

Dick Shurman’s production services obviously contributed mightily to this astounding collection.  His long years of blues immersion, sharpened ears, and astute leadership no doubt added incalculably to the eminent accomplishment beheld via one close listen to this marvelous CD.

Mr. Blues, Mr. Blues is a tremendous effort, and is the model for what is feasible when two highly acclaimed blues authorities encase themselves with a select troupe of like-minded pros, combine absorbing original compositions with tasty cover selections, and choose production expertise that will bring out the best of all involved. 

Mr. Blues, Mr. Blues, is highly recommended.  This is no homage to the classic blues ensemble sound; no, it reigns with its own supremacies.  Let’s hope we both see more together from Lang and Zinn, and that Random Chance Records continues to nurture this sort of blues visioning.

 This CD needs to be in any serious blues collection.