Leo Bud Welch “I Don’t Prefer No Blues” and "Sabougla Voices"
Leo Bud Welch “I Don’t Prefer No Blues” (Big Legal Mess 2015)
Leo Welchレオ・ウェルチ
Jimbo Mathus
Matt Patton
Bronson Tew
Eric Carlton
Stu Cole
Sharde Thomas
Tex
Leo Welch “Sabougla Voices”(Big Legal Mess 2013)
Leo Welchレオ・ウェルチ
Martha Conley & Laverne Conley—the Sabougla voices
Andrew Bryant—drums, organ
Eric Carlton—piano, organ
Jimbo Mathus—guitar
Matt Patton—bass, guitar
Bronson Tew—bass
Gospel and blues often seem estranged cousins, but Leo Welch brings them together for a family reunion on these two excellent blues-gospel workouts. At 82 years old, Welch has performed his music in the Delta for years, mostly at church, but recently at festivals all over the world. His gutsy Delta blues has never lost its roots in the church, and the energy he draws from there is just as potent as any Saturday night juke joint.
Welch does not make a final choice between God or the devil. Both approaches to music are so much a part of his rough-hewn, granite-like identity that he doesn’t have to choose. That said, the 2015 “I Don’t Prefer No Blues” outing is more blues and 2013’s “Sabougla Voices” is more gospel. But, again, this is blues played until early Sunday morning, or even right after church, and it’s gospel that is dripping with Saturday night’s desires and confusions. They work together like musical bookends.“Sabougla Voices” has all the joyful foot-stomping energy of getting the religious fever deep in the bones. “You Can’t Hurry God” breaks it down how the mystery works. “Take Care of Me Lord” raises a joyful noise unto us all, and bears its plea for mercy and deliverance with a heavy bass line, gut-strung guitar and sultry back-up vocals. If those two songs can’t seduce God, it won’t ever happen.
The melodies are catchy and upbeat, but on the slow numbers, the artistry of the songs comes out. Either way, the music grips you and lifts you up. Stunningly energetic and spiritually uplifting on every track, the opening guitar riffs sit you in a pew and make you part of the congregation. Singing praise was never this electric, raw and fun, ever before.
The second CD, “I Don’t Prefer No Blues” shows Welch’s upbringing in the hill country of Mississippi by diving into the depths of moaning, rough blues. The song, “Cadillac Baby” is center-target Mississippi blues. “Too Much Wine” kicks into a dust-raising groove, and shakes it out, with hilarious lyrics about wine and its many effects. “Sweet Black Angel” slows down to let the guitar echo through the room, in no hurry to tell all about it. “I Don’t Know Her Name” takes a fast lead on a quick, two-beat rhythm.
With distortion, swagger, and the howl and moan of life, Welch’s music redefines raw. His riffs and melodies stick in your head, and in your body. Listening to his work, it is shocking in this day and age of smooth, computerized overproduction to hear music so plain. “Plain” here means intimate, honest and authentic. A rare treat for blues and gospel fans, these two CDs are a testament to both blues and gospel. They were never really estranged; they were just waiting for the right person to tap their mutual synergy.
December 19, 2015