Carey & Lurrie Bell – Dynasty! – JSP Records JSPCD 222

This superb nine-cut 1989 release by the father and son Chicago blues tandem of Carey Bell and Lurrie Bell is front-to-back a driving blues ride.  With family members Tyson Bell on worthwhile bass, James Bell on sturdy drums, and Steve Bell on inventive harmonica, additional support is provided by Pete Allen on solid guitar, along with Jerry Soto on flourishing organ. 

But make no mistake whatsoever that this is primarily a showcase for the timeless regalness of Carey Bell’s astounding harmonica efforts and vocals, and the impulsive and darting blues guitar stylings of Lurrie Bell.  The patriarch and prodigy wholly deliver on rewarding their listeners with their always-on-point Chicago blues frameworks.

Highlights of this package include Carey’s story of his early years on “Brought Up The Hard Way” and “(I Shoulda Did) What My Mama Told Me,” Steve Bell’s turn on the harmonica on “New Harp In Town,” and the cumulative guitar aura presented by the imaginative, substantial, and overwhelming guitar flairs of Lurrie Bell. 

The sound on this collection is sterling, and from cuts one to nine, a better glimpse into the breadth of blues talent arising from the Bell family cannot be imagined.

This is Chicago blues of the highest order, and it comes highly recommended.  Seek this one out!