This Netherlands-based
blues ensemble recorded a single LP, Wild
Blues, in 1971 before a single, Rockin’ Squirrel/One Track Mind was cancelled before release, after which the band split and lay dormant for a decade.
Although the band reformed and recorded in the 1980s and 90s, their original LP remained hard to find, making this 2003 CD issue welcome for collectors of Euro-
blues.
Now reissued, the Wild
Blues collection showcases raw, spiky but unnervingly authentic
electric blues keynoted by Tom Huissen’s emotional vocals and zippy, Hendrix-indebted guitar solos from Frans Ten Kleij, who also provides detailed sleeve notes.
Sure, at times the band sound like a bunch of fans who became obsessed with American music and named themselves after a Son
House song, but the quality of the music can’t be denied. Considering the age of the recordings, they sound startlingly fresh
Tracks:-------
01. John the Revelator - 0:46
02. I Can't Stop Lovin' You (Elmore James) - 3:02
03. Worried Dreams (B.B. King) - 5:41
04. Charlie's Drive Inn - 1:39
05. Talk to Me, Baby (Elmore James) - 5:01
06. Personal Manager (Albert King, David Porter) - 4:35
07. Wild
Blues - 1:37
08. Bleeding Heart (Elmore James) - 4:42
09. No Woman - 3:12
10. Homework (D. Clark, Al Perkins) - 3:05
Bonus Track:11. Yeah - 3:03
12. Rockin' Squirrel - 3:34
13. One Track Mind - 4:44
14. I Can't Stop Lovin' You (Elmore James) - 3:22
15. Little Red Rooster (Willie Dixon) - 4:17
16. Worried Dreams (
Instrumental) (B.B. King) - 4:50
Personnel:---------
Tracks 1-11&14:
Tom Huissen: lead vocals & bass guitar
Charles van der Steeg: tenor & bariton saxophone
Henno van Donselaar: alto saxophone
Frans ten Kleij: leadguitar & harmonica
Jos de Wilde: slideguitar
Charles van den Heuvel: piano
Fred Huissen: drums
Tracks 12-13
Tom Huissen: lead vocals & bass guitar
Charles van der Steeg: tenor & bariton saxophone
Frans ten Kleij: leadguitar & harmonica
Jos de Wilde: slideguitar
Paul Dammers: rhythm guitar
Fred Huissen: drums
guest:
Hans van Hemert: synthesizer and mellotron
Tracks 15-16
Tom Huissen: lead vocals & bass guitar
Hille van der Galien: bariton sax & conga's
Frans ten Kleij: leadguitar & harmonica
Paul Dammers: slide & rhythm guitar
Fred Huissen: drums
All thanks to original releaser