Willie Salomon  “Just In Time”  Acoustic Music Records 2007

Germany's blues guitarist Willie Salomon plays American roots
blues music. Salomon plays blues roots music in the style of
for instance Louisiana Red, Mississippi John Hurt and Robert
Johnson. Willie Salomon  is a self-taught musician who is a
master in roots blues guitar. His music reflects elements of
swing, folk, gospel and ragtime. On his new CD “Just In Time”  
he excels in groovy pieces and captivating phrasing elements.
“Country Boy is reminiscent of Muddy Waters, while “Mountain
Jack Blues” captures the sound of Reverend Gary Davis. “The
Pressure Cooker (Bout To Blow)”which is dedicated to his mentor
John Long is a boogie woogie piano piece while Salomon sings
along with his calming voice. The sound of Salomon is raw ,
honest and authentic. He uses old collectors items Gibson and
Resonator guitars. Many on this album presented pieces are
written by Salomon himself, while he always honours his heroes.
An excellent roots blues CD.

Henk te Veldhuis
Bridge Guitar Reviews
© 2007

Willie Salomon – Just In Time

Acoustic Music 3191386-2

 Willie Salomon’s last release “Country Blues and More”, also on Peter Finger’s prestigious Acoustic Music label, quite rightly attracted much praise from reviewers all over Europe, the UK and USA, so the follow-up had a lot to live up to.   As it turns out, Mr. Salomon has not only maintained the high standard of his previous issue, but improved on it.  “Just In Time” is again a completely solo effort, but this time Willie adds a couple of piano tracks and a bit of harmonica playing to complement his superb acoustic guitar skills.

 The 17 tracks presented here are a mixture of originals and reworkings of country blues classics, some with vocals (very confident) and some instrumental pieces.  The latter include three self-penned tunes called “Cherry Blossom Rag”, “Rainy Day Blues” and “Dreams”.  The original songs include the album’s title track and the very pleasing “Mistreatin’ Woman Blues” played on a lovely sounding 1933 Gibson L-00 guitar.  In fact, guitar anoraks will be delighted to see that Willie’s informative liner notes include details of the guitars played.

The piano tracks are the instrumental “Memphis Boogie” and a song dedicated to John Long, one of Willie’s early mentors, “Pressure Cooker 'Bout To Blow” with some great blues imagery in the words.  Apart from John Long, when in the States Willie met Furry Lewis, whose “Goin’ To Brownsville” is included in this collection played on a wooden-bodied National.  Other covers include songs by Rev. Gary Davis, Muddy Waters and Bukka White.  “Take Me Back” which has been recorded by various people is often most associated with Memphis guitarist, Frank Stokes and Willie really does it justice here with a great version – again on that little Gibson (is it a sin to covet your neighbour’s vintage Gibson guitar?).

This album is one that Willie Salomon can be proud of and one that not only keeps the country blues tradition alive, but also moves it forward. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9

Michael Prince
Blues In Britain